Minot teen may learn crime is no game

An 18-year-old Minot man is accused of stealing an XBox and two television sets from a friend’s house and of being in possession of the stolen property on Monday, according to court documents.

Tevin Raeshaun Johnson made an initial appearance on the charges Tuesday in North Central District Court in Minot.

He is charged with Class C felony burglary and Class C felony possession of stolen property. If convicted of both charges, he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

According to court documents, the friend reported the alleged crime to police. Police then allegedly found the stolen items in a running car parked at Souris River Campus.

A preliminary hearing for Johnson is scheduled for June 2.

Andrea Johnson

Father, daughter face criminal charges

A 24-year-old Minot woman and her 59-year-old father are accused of exposing her 7- or 8-year-old son to methamphetamine and causing him to miss an excessive amount of school, according to court documents.

Carl Len Perry, the boy’s grandfather, was scheduled to make an initial appearance in North Central District Court in Minot on Tuesday. Court records show that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of his daughter, Meranda Lynn Malone.

According to court documents the boy, who was born in 2008, had been living with his mother and his grandfather in a motel room. The boy was taken away from his mother by Ward County Social Services earlier this year after a hair follicle test showed he had been exposed to high levels of methamphetamine on a regular basis. The school system reported that the child had missed 22 full days of school this school year and had been late to school 30 days through Jan. 5, 2016. The child’s school reported that he sometimes slept all afternoon in the classroom and that the child came to school without eating breakfast because there was nothing for him to eat. The boy told Ward County Social Services that his grandfather and his grandfather’s friends sometimes smoked drugs in their bathroom.

Both Malone and Perry denied using drugs around the boy, according to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court.

A preliminary hearing for Perry is scheduled for June 2.

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

Andrea Johnson

Renter’s refund deadline approaches

The North Dakota Tax Department reminds seniors and disabled residents of the May 31 to apply for partial refunds of their rent.

Residents may qualify for a refund of up to $400 under the renter’s refund program, which is part of the Homestead Tax Credit program. Money paid for lot rent by mobile home owners may also qualify for the renter’s refund. To be eligible, a resident must be 65 years or older or disabled and have an income less than $42,000 a year. Also to qualify, 20 percent of annual rent must exceed 4 percent of net income.

An application and instructions are available on the Office of State Tax Commissioner’s website at nd.gov/tax. Residents also may call 328-3127 or 877-328-7088, option 6.

PSC to hold pipeline hearing

KILLDEER The North Dakota Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing in Killdeer on May 11, regarding a proposal for a crude oil pipeline in McKenzie and Dunn Counties.

BOE Pipeline, LLC, has submitted an application for a permit for the location of a new 41.8-mile long, 16-inch diameter crude oil pipeline. The pipeline will carry crude oil from a new terminal near Johnson’s Corner to the BOE terminal near Killdeer, which is connected by an existing pipeline to the BOE Rail Hub located southwest of Dickinson. The BOE Rail Hub is a loading facility that provides producers and marketers access to destinations served by local rail. The pipeline would have a maximum capacity of 165,000 barrels per day. Total cost of the project is estimated to be $55 million.

The hearing begins at 9 a.m. Mountain (10 a.m. Central) in Killdeer City Hall.

Jail time all suspended in domestic violence case

A 26-year-old Minot man was sentenced Wednesday to three years of supervised probation and a domestic violence offenders class for assaulting his girlfriend in February 2015.

Matthew David William Grant pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, a Class C felony, on Wednesday in North Central District Court. According to court documents, Grant got into an argument with his girlfriend after they returned from celebrating her birthday at a local bar. He became angry when his girlfriend said she was going to call the police. He refused to leave the apartment, pushed her onto the couch and twice held his hand over her mouth so she could not breathe.

North Central District Court Judge Todd Cresap sentenced Grant to one year in prison, with all that time suspended, and also required him to obtain a chemical dependency evaluation and pay $1,100 in court costs. He is forbidden from having contact with the victim.

If he successfully completes probation, the offense will appear as a misdemeanor on his record.

Andrea Johnson

Fourth time not the charm for drunk driver

A 38-year-old Minot man will spend 18 months in prison for a fourth offense of driving while intoxicated.

Caleb Nathaniel Twitchell had a blood alcohol level of 0.395, more than four times the legal limit, when he was arrested while driving on Broadway on Sept. 26, 2015, according to court documents. Twitchell has past convictions for driving while intoxicated in New Mexico and one prior conviction for driving while his license was revoked.

North Central District Court Judge Todd Cresap sentenced Twitchell on Tuesday to three years in prison, with all but 18 months suspended, and two years of supervised probation. He must participate in the 24/7 testing program and obtain a chemical dependency evaluation. He will also receive credit for 10 days already served in jail and for 98 days participating in Ward County’s 24/7 testing program. He must also pay $3,100 in court fines and costs, according to court records.

Andrea Johnson

Flooding causes $4,000 in damage at Wahpeton High School

WAHPETON (AP) – Flooding caused an estimated $4,000 in damage to Wahpeton High School.

The Daily News reports (http://bit.ly/1T4gkYA ) that a roof drain became disconnected from a drain pipe during rain on Sunday, leading to the problem early Monday.

Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Dale Bartnick says water came in through the ceiling. Principal Ned Clooten says hundreds of gallons of water flooded the tile floor in a commons area.

The problem did not affect classes.

Suspect in Fargo killing scheduled for trial this summer

FARGO (AP) – A man facing a murder charge in a fatal beating outside of a Fargo bar last year is set for trial this summer.

Thirty-four-year-old Jason Oien is scheduled for a nine-day trial beginning June 21. The trial initially was scheduled for late March but it was delayed due to new evidence and witnesses in the case.

Oien could face life in prison without parole if convicted of killing 35-year-old Joey Gaarsland in May 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges including murder and three counts of criminal conspiracy.

Three other people charged in the case have pleaded guilty and could testify against Oien.

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Minot may

re-gift seats to Jamestown Airport

Seating from the hold room in Minot’s former airport terminal may find a new home in Jamestown.

The Minot City Council’s Airport Committee voted Tuesday to recommend the council donate the seats to the Jamestown Airport. Minot received the seats as a donation from the Grand Forks Airport when the old terminal had been remodeled. Jamestown looks to acquire about 75 of the approximately 90 seats.

Interim airport director Ann Thorvick told the committee that staff members have salvaged for the airport what they could from the former terminal and are offering remaining items for sale. The terminal is expected to be ready for demolition by the end of May.

Meanwhile, seeding and other ground work is being completed around the new terminal.

Jill Schramm

Development Fund awards funding requests totaling $1,510,000

BISMARCK Gates Manufacturing of Lansford is among four companies sharing in $1.51 million in loan assistance from the North Dakota Development Fund, the North Dakota Department of Commerce announced Wednesday.

The North Dakota Development Fund was created in 1991 to provide flexible gap financing through debt and equity investments for new or expanding North Dakota primary sector businesses.

Gates Manufacturing received a renewal of its $500,000 line of credit to finance the company’s working capital needs. Gates Manufacturing, Inc. manufactures light and heavy harrows and other tillage equipment for the agricultural industry.

Other recipients were Buzz360, an online marketing automation platform company in Fargo, $160,000 for working capital needs; Earth-Kind of Bismarck, which produces natural alternatives for pest and odor control, $600,000 for working capital; and Buffalo City Wood Products of Jamestown, which produces cabin units, $250,000 for working capital.

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Wild ride ends in jail sentence

ROLLA – A 33-year-old Dunseith man was sentenced to two years in prison for being in possession of a stolen 1999 Ford Explorer on Dec. 12, 2015, in Dunseith and for driving at high speeds while fleeing from a Rolette County sheriff’s deputy and tribal police through residential streets, a ditch and into a field on Christmas Eve 2015, according to court documents.

Clark Joseph Davis pleaded guilty to the two Class C felony charges on Monday in Northeast District Court in Rolla. He could have been sentenced to up to 10 years.

Andrea Johnson

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Woman accused of stealing from hospital

A woman is accused of stealing money from a safe at Trinity Hospital last December, according to court documents.

According to a probable cause affidavit, police say that Stacy Lynn Sanchez, 31, who worked as a late cook at the hospital, was caught on hospital surveillance video breaking into the cafeteria safe. They say she stole $1,881.83 from a safe at the hospital between Nov. 30 and Dec. 15, 2015. Sanchez allegedly told police that she took the money to pay off a drug dealer.

A preliminary hearing for Sanchez is scheduled for June 2 in North Central District Court in Minot.

She is charged with Class C felony theft of property, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Andrea Johnson

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Initial appearance in Minot on domestic violence case

A 23-year-old Minot man is accused of choking his girlfriend early Monday at a residence on Valley Street during an argument.

Tre Kyzell Davis is charged with aggravated assault-domestic violence, a Class C felony that could send him to prison for up to five years. Davis made an initial appearance Monday in North Central District Court in Minot.

According to court documents, police found Davis standing on the sidewalk outside the residence, surrounded by his personal belongings, at 3:09 a.m. He told police that his girlfriend kicked him out because she thought he was cheating on her. Davis allegedly said they had a mostly verbal argument, but he threw some things around and pushed his girlfriend. The girlfriend told police that Davis held her down and choked her with his hands during the argument and she felt like she was going to pass out. She said she tried to leave but Davis stopped her. She then called 911. Police saw redness and abrasions on the girlfriend’s throat. Davis was arrested and taken to jail. Davis’s uncle came to collect Davis’s belongings from the sidewalk.

A preliminary hearing for Davis is scheduled for June 2 in North Central District Court in Minot.

Andrea Johnson

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Load of weed leads to slate of charges

A 28-year-old New Town man is accused of planning to deal marijuana in the New Town area.

William Thomas Royston III was arrested April 12 after law enforcement officers received authorization to search his apartment and his car, according to court documents. The MHA Drug Task Force allegedly found three pounds and eight ounces of marijuana in Royston’s vehicle, packaged in four plastic bags. Police also said they found several baggies of marijuana in the residence and a loaded pistol hidden in the wall of his bedroom.

Royston is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, a Class B felony carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, and prohibited possession of a firearm, a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Royston is being held on $3,000 cash or corporate surety bond, according to court records, and a preliminary hearing for him is scheduled for June 23 in North Central District Court in Stanley.

Andrea Johnson

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Passed out mom faces serious charges

A jury trial is scheduled next week for a 30-year-old Alexander woman accused of passing out in a car after smoking heroin last fall while her 2-year-old daughter was strapped into a car seat behind her, according to court documents.

Amanda Nicole Sanders is charged with Class C felony child neglect and Class C felony possession of heroin, as well as three misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charges. If convicted of all the charges, Sanders could face more than 10 years in prison.

According to court documents, the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Department received a report on Oct. 2, 2015, that a woman was passed out in a vehicle at the Wild Bison Gas Station on Highway 68. Sanders had allegedly been found slumped over the wheel with a straw and piece of tinfoil in her hand. Her daughter was in a child safety seat in the back seat. Sanders told police she was waiting for her husband to come and get the little girl. She allegedly admitted to smoking heroin before her daughter was placed in the car.

The trial is scheduled to begin May 2 in Watford City.

Andrea Johnson

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Fatal rollover near Stanley

Andres Lopez, 28, Denver, Colo., was killed early Friday morning in a single vehicle accident near Stanley. The North Dakota Highway Patrol received the report of the crash located two miles west of Stanley at 3:45 a.m.

Lopez was the driver and lone occupant of a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 2 when the vehicle left the north side of the roadway. According to the Highway Patrol, Lopez attempted to make a correction but his vehicle began rotating clockwise. It entered the north ditch and overturned twice before striking a utility pole.

Lopez was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected during the accident.

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Man takes woman’s phone away, gets probation

A 24-year-old Minot man was sentenced Friday to probation for taking a phone away from his girlfriend in January while she was trying to call her mother.

According to court records, Dan Andrew Collins will serve 11 months of supervised probation and must pay $600 in court costs. North Central District Court Judge Doug Mattson sentenced Collins to a year in jail on Friday, with all but the 16 days he’s already served suspended. Collins must also obtain a chemical dependency evaluation.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the woman told police she was afraid of what he might do to their three children, who were 2 1/2, 23 months and 6 months old at the time. The girlfriend said Collins had been yelling at their children to pick up their stuff. She claimed he had also put his hands on her, though police didn’t see any marks. Collins admitted to taking the phone away from his girlfriend, but said he didn’t know who she was trying to call. The woman was trying to call her mother to arrange for her to come get the woman and her three children.

The charge is a Class A misdemeanor.

Andrea Johnson

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Inmate escapes from Devils Lake jail by smashing window

DEVILS LAKE (AP) – Authorities say an inmate has escaped from the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center in Devils Lake.

Jail Director Tom Rime said that 29-year-old Kenneth James Eagleman of Fargo escaped Thursday night by breaking off a window grate and using it to smash a window at the facility.

Court records show Eagleman was being held on theft and other charges, including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and fleeing.

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Summer Nights on Main to return

WILLISTON The Williston Downtowners Association will be hosting once again, a nine-week outdoor music series in Downtown Williston this summer.

Summer Nights on Main will be from 5-9 p.m., every Thursday from June 30 through Aug. 25. The event is free to the community and offers fun for the whole family. Each week will feature a different band, kids activities, food vendors and a beer garden. Weekly sponsors add fun activities during music breaks.

“We are so excited to have several returning sponsors from last year as well as a few new sponsors,” said Executive Director Karissa Kjos.

The 2016 concert line up and sponsors are:

June 30: Bill Falcon and The Good Medicine Band sponsored by Williston Friendly Faces (Held in conjunction with the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Rockin’ RibFest presented by Dakota Management Group)

July 7: Joey Leone’s Chop Shop sponsored by JLG Architects

July 14: Ryan Chrys and The Rough Cuts sponsored by American Legion Post #37

July 21: Slamabama sponsored by Red River Supply

July 28: Kid and Nic Show sponsored by Williston Convention & Visitors Bureau

Aug. 4: Nick Montieth sponsored by Upper Missouri Ministries

Aug. 11: The Cody Charles Band sponsored by Nemont

Aug. 18: Outer Space Real Estate sponsored by Smiling Moose Deli and Meg-a-Latte

Aug. 25: The Cold Hard Cash Show sponsored by Knife River

“Save the dates, bring your lawn chairs and don’t forget the family. We look forward to seeing you Downtown,” said Kjos.

More information will be available at willistondowntown.com.

Pipe-wielding assailant gets jail time

A 27-year-old Sawyer man will serve about 240 days in jail for hitting another man over the head with a PVC pipe during an argument in 2014.

Weston James Aho was sentenced to three years in prison on Thursday, with all but the 240 days suspended. He will also serve three years of supervised probation and must pay $825 in court costs, according to court records.

Aho hit Alberto Reyes with the pipe on July 21, 2014. Reyes had to go to a local hospital to be treated for head lacerations.

Aho went on trial for the offense in November, but there was a mistrial after other jurors reported that the jury forewoman was acting drunk and had been using her cell phone during deliberations. A retrial was scheduled for May but was canceled after Aho changed his plea to guilty on Thursday in North Central District Court.

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

Andrea Johnson

Change of plea in assault case

A change of plea hearing was scheduled on Wednesday for a Pennsylvania man accused of assaulting his girlfriend in Tioga in 2015. No sentence is listed on the site.

According to court documents, Mark Hager II, 22, now of Northern Cambria, Penn., allegedly beat and choked his girlfriend on March 18, 2015 and dragged her back into their residence in Tioga and physically prevented her from leaving during an argument. Hager then reportedly got into his vehicle and tailed his girlfriend’s car as she was trying to get away from him.

Hager was charged with felonious restraint and aggravated assault, both Class C felonies. If convicted of both, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and pay $20,000 in fines.

Andrea Johnson

Northeastern ND church damaged by vandals

PISEK (AP) – Authorities are investigating vandalism at a historic church in northeastern North Dakota.

Walsh County Sheriff Ron Jurgens said fire extinguishers were sprayed throughout St. Johns Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pisek, which caused “a real mess.”

The Rev. Prasad Marneni says the church has been closed since vandals struck about two weeks ago. He says a thin residue of white powder has covered everything from pews to carpeting.

Marneni says a 6-foot-by-10-foot oil painting oil painting done by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha in 1885 escaped serious damage. But he says it will need to be professionally restored.

Marneni says the church’s doors had never been locked in the church’s 135-year history. But he says that has changed now.

Man convicted in Fargo robbery gets 8 years

FARGO (AP) – A man convicted in one of several armed robberies in Fargo last September has been sentenced to serve 8 years in prison.

Twenty-eight-year-old Andrew Ford pleaded guilty in January to interference with commerce by threats and violence, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Authorities say Ford and Carlos Bethel took turns robbing two liquor stores within an hour of each other on Sept. 28. The men acted as getaway drivers for each other in the robberies.

The case was prosecuted under the Hobbs Act, which allows for federal action if the crime involves interstate commerce. The federal system offers stiffer penalties than state court.

Bethel has pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on Monday.

ND to pursue fine against trucking company

BISMARCK (AP) – North Dakota regulators will continue to pursue $950,000 in fines against a trucking company accused of illegally dumping saltwater on a Williams County road in 2014.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday to move forward with its complaint against Wyoming-based Black Hills Trucking Inc.

An administrative law judge last month ruled the Industrial Commission did not have jurisdiction because the incident occurred on a public road. The judge says jurisdiction belonged to the state Department of Health.

Regulators say the case now likely is headed to district court.

The company is accused of illegally dumping saltwater near Tioga in February and March 2014. Regulators sought the fines after an inspector witnessed illegal dumping.

Woman convicted of burning bar gets new trial

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) – A woman convicted of setting fire to a bar and grill she co-owned in the South Dakota town of Herreid to get insurance money has been granted a new trial.

A jury in February found 42-year-old Lori Brandner guilty of arson, conspiracy to commit arson and filing a fraudulent insurance claim.

Defense attorney Brad Schreiber filed a motion for a new trial, citing concerns over jury instructions. A judge agreed, and granted a new trial for Aug. 3-5. She has been released on bond.

Authorities say Brandner and three others set fire to the business on Jan. 21, 2015, and that Brandner later submitted a $310,000 insurance claim.

Tyler Ambrust and Ryan Kaelberer, of Minot, were sentenced in February to a year in prison for arson conspiracy. Cheyenne Davis, of Pollock, awaits sentencing on the same charge.

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Man accused of possession with intent

A 21-year-old Minot man is accused of possession with intent to deliver marijuana.

Courtney Clifford Johnson was charged March 14 and a hearing for him was scheduled Thursday in North Central District Court in Minot. The charge is a Class A felony because Johnson allegedly possessed a gun, according to court documents. A Class A felony carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Police received a report of a strong marijuana odor coming from Johnson’s apartment on the evening of March 14. According to a probable cause affidavit, when police knocked on the door, Johnson’s girlfriend answered and told them there was no marijuana there. As police were leaving, one of Johnson’s neighbors called them over and reported seeing a black man carrying a bag, running from the building just before police arrived and then return from the side of the garage without the bag. He then reportedly ran down an alley. Police searched the detached garage on the south side of the building and found a soft-sided storage container there. In the container were three quart-sized Mason jars containing what appeared to be marijuana, another Mason jar containing tobacco leaves, a small digital scale and a semi-automatic pistol.

Police later stopped Johnson in the area and placed him under arrest.

A pre-trial conference for Johnson is scheduled for June 29 in North Central District Court before Judge Doug Mattson.

Johnson’s girlfriend, Na’Jear Tenay Anderson, 19, was charged with Class A misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia following the incident, according to court records. The Ward County State’s Attorney’s office dropped a felony possession with intent to deliver charge against Anderson for lack of evidence. Mattson signed a warrant for her arrest on April 17 because Anderson has allegedly failed to comply with court ordered drug testing.

Andrea Johnson

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Federal funds support economic development

Tri-County Regional Development Council in Williston and the South Central Dakota Regional Council in Jamestown will each receive $66,000 in federal grant funds to support their economic development planning in the northwest and south central regions of the North Dakota.

The federal funds are made available through the Economic Development Administration, a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, announced the funding awards.

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Project to improve waste disposal on Turtle Mountain reservation

BELCOURT USDA Rural Development has announced a nearly $1.38 million grant to improve the Turtle Mountain Solid Waste Management Program and expand access to its recycling program.

The grant through the Waste Disposal Program will be combined with a $670,000 grant from Indian Health Service to complete various improvement projects.

The projects include construction of a 5,000-square-foot building for equipment maintenance and storage near the solid waste transfer station. The facility will include working plumbing with a wash-down area for employees, which they currently do not have. On average, 40 to 120 vehicles daily visit the waste site, but due to poor driveway conditions it is often difficult for the public to access. Thus, a 20,000-square-foot area will be paved between the new storage building and waste station.

To increase opportunities for recycling on the reservation, funding will also be used to purchase equipment such as a recycling operations truck, recycling roll-offs and trailer, a skid steer, recycling balers and a waste handler front-end loader.

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New Town woman accused of credit card caper

NEW TOWN – A 49-year-old New Town woman is accused of using her ex-husband’s debit card to make purchases from Amazon.com in the amount of $3,329 over the last month, according to court documents. Her ex-husband reported the alleged crime to police and said he did not authorize Dawn M. Greeno to use his card. He said he had recently changed his number and didn’t know how she got it.

Greeno is charged with unauthorized use of personal identifying information, a Class B felony that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Dawn Greeno allegedly acknowledged charging the items and that her name is not on her ex-husband’s account, but told police her ex-husband has had her write checks for other things for him in the past and it has never been an issue before this.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 26 in North Central District Court in Stanley before North Central District Court Judge Gary Lee.

Andrea Johnson

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Devils Lake Outlets Management group to meet

CARRINGTON The Devils Lake Outlets Management Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 3, at 9 a.m. in the Chieftain Conference Center at 60 4th Avenue S. in Carrington.

The agenda for the meeting includes the 2015-2016 precipitation and 2016 forecast; Water Sampling Program, project status reports on the west end and east end outlets and control structure, and planning for the 2016 outlet operations.

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Watford City woman denies drug accusations

WATFORD CITY A 21-year-old Watford City woman has pleaded not guilty to possession with intent to deliver marijuana and related charges, according to court records.

A jury trial for Kassandra Kaye Herding is set for July 11 in Northwest District Court in Watford City.

Herding is charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana, a Class B felony that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine; possession of a controlled substance, a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class B misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

According to court documents, police searched Herding’s home in Watford City on March 4. They allegedly found a large amount of marijuana inside the toilet in the master bathroom; a Ziploc baggie containing a large amount of marijuana; multiple baggies with marijuana residue; multiple smoking devices with marijuana residue; multiple digital scales with marijuana residue; multiple marijuana cigarettes; plastic measuring dish with marijuana residue and other items.

Andrea Johnson

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Trial set for man accused of dealing near school

WATFORD CITY A 38-year-old Watford City man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to intent to deal cocaine and Ecstasy at a residence near a school last week.

Aundray Christopher Bryant is charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school. Possession with intent to deliver cocaine near a school is a Class AA penalty that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. The other charge is a Class A felony that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He made an appearance Tuesday in Northwest District Court in Watford City.

According to court documents, the Northwest Narcotics Task Force obtained a search warrant on April 14 to search Bryant’s residence, which is located within the Creekside Cottages housing unit within 1,000 feet of Watford City Elementary School. They allegedly found a plastic baggie containing 13 knotted plastic baggies containing suspected cocaine; a small plastic baggie containing eight suspected Ecstasy pills; a black digital scale with suspected cocaine residue and a second digital scale, among other items.

A jury trial has been set for Aug. 22.

Andrea Johnson

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Farm & Ranch Guide accepting nominations for Country Woman of the Year

BISMARCK Farm & Ranch Guide is accepting nominations for the publication’s 23rd annual Country Woman of the Year award which brings recognition to the important role women play in the agriculture industry.

The deadline for nominating someone for Country Woman of the Year 2016 is Wednesday, June 8, according to Pat Sitter, Farm & Ranch Guide general manager.

Candidates should live on a farm or ranch located within Farm & Ranch Guide’s distribution area and should be informed of your intentions to nominate them. Prior nominations from any past years are also welcome to be re-submitted, including past finalists who weren’t selected.

Six finalists will be chosen from among the nominations by a panel of five judges that come from within the industry. Those finalists and their spouses will be invited to Mandan for a social gathering on the afternoon of Thursday, July 21, at the Baymont Inn in Mandan, formerly known as the Seven Seas.

Following the social, an interview process with the finalists will begin with the judges and continue the following morning, July 22.

The winner will be crowned during the luncheon program which begins at noon Friday, July 22, at the Baymont Inn.

“It’s a great program and a great way to bring some special recognition to some very deserving women,” Sitter said. “We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to nominate that favorite someone for this award.”

Nominations must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, June 8, and should be sent to Farm & Ranch Guide, PO Box 1977, Bismarck, ND 58502-1977. The nomination form also can be found in the pages of Farm & Ranch Guide or online at farmandranchguide.com.

Among the several prizes to be awarded to the winner this year includes a grand prize of a New Holland “Rustler” utility vehicle provided by the Northern Region New Holland Dealers and a Medora vacation package for four from the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation.

Door prizes will be awarded throughout the program.

Tickets for the luncheon are $10 per person and includes the luncheon meal and entertainment. For ticket information contact Farm & Ranch Guide, 255-4905.

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Woman faces trial for alleged assault of daughter

A jury trial is scheduled for July 27 in South Central District Court in Bismarck for a 39-year-old New Town woman accused of assaulting her 14-year-old daughter in March.

According to court documents, Paula Therese Stiffarm allegedly punched her daughter with a closed fist and then scratched her arms at a Burleigh County address on March 13. Police noted that the 14-year-old had raised scratches on her arms and redness and swelling on her left forehead. Police wrote that Stiffarm appeared to be extremely drunk when they interviewed her. Stiffarm claimed that the girl had attacked her and she had tried to stop her daughter from leaving. Stiffarm didn’t have any injuries matching her account.

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

Andrea Johnson

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Man accused of beating estranged wife

A 34-year-old Minot man is accused of beating and choking his estranged wife on Saturday, threatening to kill her and preventing her from making a 911 call, according to court documents.

Jason Kenneth Citty is charged with terrorizing and interference with a telephone call during an emergency. Both are Class C felonies. If convicted of both charges, he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. He made an initial appearance in North Central District Court in Minot on the charges on Monday.

According to court documents, a witness in the area called police after she saw Citty put his wife into a choke hold and drag her into their house. Citty’s wife told police that she broke away from Citty, ran into the bathroom, locked the door and tried to call 911 on her cell phone. Citty then allegedly broke down the bathroom door, wrestled the cell phone away from his wife and smashed it. His wife told police that Citty put his hands around her neck, squeezed, and threatened to kill her or anyone else who called the police. The woman also hit her head on the bathroom toilet while she and her husband were struggling. A friend also in the residence talked to Citty and persuaded him to come out of the bathroom. The couple is separated, but had gone out with friends on Saturday night. The wife told police that Citty became angry after he saw her hug a male friend. Jason Citty allegedly acknowledged that he argued with his wife, but denied that he harmed her.

A preliminary hearing for Citty is scheduled for May 26 in North Central District Court before Judge Doug Mattson.

Andrea Johnson

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Police warn about scam targeting elderly residents

The Minot Police Department has received information about a possible Medicare scam targeting elderly residents in the Minot area.

The scam is not new. However, the police department has received calls from citizens warning that they have recently received calls related to this scam.

With this scam, the scammer calls the victim and tells them their Medicare card must be renewed in order to remain eligible for benefits. The scammers then trick the victim into believing the request is real by revealing some of the victim’s personal information (such as names or addresses) that they have likely found through an Internet search. The scammer then pressures the victim to provide the sensitive identifying information such as Social Security, banking account and Medicare card numbers.

Medicare already has participants’ information, and they will not call participants for sensitive personal information. Also, Medicare cards are sent to participants when they first apply and these cards do not expire and never need to be renewed.

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Man found inside residence

Minot Police responded to a call of an unknown subject inside a Minot residence at 11:12 p.m. Wednesday. The call came from a person in the 1200 block of 1st Street SE.

The subject had left the residence by the time police arrived on scene, but was located walking in the area. Cory Nylander, 46, Minot, was arrested and charged with criminal trespass, a Class C felony.

Nylander told police he woke up inside the residence and did not know how he got there. He was transported to the Ward County Jail. Nylander made his initial court appearance Thursday afternoon in front of Judge Stacy Louser. A preliminary hearing was set for May 19.

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N.D. Renewable Energy Program accepting applications

BISMARCK The North Dakota Industrial Commission is currently accepting applications through May 1 for the North Dakota Renewable Energy Program.

The program funds projects that involve research and development of renewable energy technologies and processes that have strong growth potential in North Dakota.

The Legislature established the program in 2007 to provide funding for research, development, marketing and education to foster growth of renewable energy including wind, biofuels, biomass, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal and hydrogen.

For more information on these projects or the program, contact Andrea Pfennig at 426-5295 or Karlene Fine at 328-3722 or visit nd.gov/ndic/renew-nfopage.htm.

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Maxbass man pleads guilty of abuse

BOTTINEAU – A 35-year-old Maxbass man pleaded guilty Wednesday to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl for several months in 2014.

Adam Elsbe Ray entered the plea on Wednesday in Northeast District Court in Bottineau, according to court records.

Judge Michael Sturdevant ordered a pre-sentence investigation.

The Class AA felony carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Andrea Johnson

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Minot man gets probation for financial fraud

A 28-year-old Minot man was sentenced Thursday to three years of supervised probation for fraudulently withdrawing $3,777 from his former girlfriend’s mother’s bank account two years ago, according to court documents.

Donald Eugene Gates III was ordered to pay back all the money he stole in January 2014, along with another $1,100 in court costs.

Judge Stacy Louser also sentenced Gates to one year in prison, with all time suspended. If he successfully completes probation, the Class C felony forgery offense will appear on his record as a misdemeanor.

Louser also ordered him to stay away from his former girlfriend and her mother.

Andrea Johnson

Briefly

Beulah health center to receive $2.2M

BEULAH The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded more than $2.2 million to the Coal County Community Health Center in Beulah, according to Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND.

The funding supports the availability, accessibility, provision and quality of primary health care services provided by community health centers and is made available through HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration.

Hoeven serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.

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Mandan man gets 15 years for killing friend

MANDAN (AP) – A Mandan man accused of killing a friend and setting a mobile home on fire to cover up the crime has been sentenced to serve 15 years in prison.

Fifty-year-old Rodney Friesz was accused of shooting 62-year-old Gene Jassmann in the head with a .22-caliber rifle after the two argued in October 2014, then torching the home that belonged to Friesz’s brother.

Friesz was initially charged with murder and arson. A jury in February convicted him of arson and the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Friesz told the judge at Monday’s sentencing hearing that he plans to appeal.

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ND gas prices remain below $2 on average

BISMARCK (AP) – Gasoline prices continue to hover just under the $2 mark in North Dakota.

GasBuddy.com says the average retail price is $1.95 per gallon, unchanged in the past week. The national average is $2.04 a gallon, down about a penny over the week.

Senior Petroleum Analyst Gregg Laskoski says it’s rare in April for gas prices to drop or stay stable. But he says unfortunately it’s more of an anomaly than a trend.

Laskoski says a healthy gas inventory in advance of demand has helped flatten prices, but experts don’t expect that to last when summer travel kicks into high gear.

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Williston hires firm to find city administrator

WILLISTON (AP) – Williston has hired a firm to help fill a newly-created position of city administrator.

A representative from Strategic Government Solutions is spending the next week in Williston meeting with city commissioners, department heads and others.

The city administrator will oversee budgets, as well as handling other responsibilities that will be determined after the consultant’s report.

The city began looking into hiring an administrator more than five years ago, but the idea was put on the back burner during the peak of the oil boom.

The committee is hoping to have the field of candidates narrowed to three in about four months.

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Men sentenced for Upper Midwest meth conspiracy

FARGO (AP) – Two Arizona men have been sentenced for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Authorities say 38-year-old Christian Marlar and 27-year-old Joseph Johnson brought meth from Arizona to distribute to local drug traffickers in Fargo, and neighboring Moorhead, Minnesota.

Marlar and Johnson both are from Tucson. U.S. Attorney Christopher Myers says they were known in Fargo-Moorhead as the “Arizona Boys.” Marlar was sentenced to seven years in federal prison and Johnson to 10 years.

Three other people were sentenced earlier in the conspiracy to prison terms ranging from half a year to more than 10 years.

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Young mom gets jail time for drug charges

A 24-year-old Minot woman will serve about 2 1/2 years in prison for drug offenses, including allowing her toddler daughter to be around drugs.

According to the North Dakota Courts site, Doddi Ruth Erickson was sentenced to a total of five years in prison on Friday, with a requirement that she serve at least 30 months. She pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility, a Class B felony, and ingestion of a controlled substance, a Class C felony, both offenses that date back to Nov. 17, 2015, and to child neglect, a Class B felony, dating back to July 2015. She will receive credit for 40 days already served in jail. She will be on supervised probation for three years and must pay $775 in court costs. North Central District Court Judge Richard Hagar recommended that she be treated at the Tompkins Rehabilitation and Corrections Center in Jamestown for chemical dependency issues. She also pleaded guilty to bail jumping back in November.

According to court documents, a criminal informant set up a drug buy at the Vegas Hotel in Minot with Mark Rodgers, the father of Erickson’s daughter, on July 15, 2015. Erickson was also present in the hotel room. The toddler girl was also in the room, which had a heavy odor of marijuana, and meth on the bed and on top of the television.

Rodgers pleaded guilty in December to unlawful delivery of oxycodone, manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and child abuse or neglect. He was also sentenced to five years in prison, with the requirement that he serve 30 months.

Andrea Johnson

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Dunseith resident dies in rollover

BELCOURT The North Dakota Highway Patrol has identified the victim of a one-vehicle rollover that occurred 14 miles northwest of Belcourt Friday.

Shatehya Azure, 19, Dunseith, died at the scene. She was the driver of the 1999 Chevrolet pickup involved in the accident.

Nathan Belgarde, 22, and Joseph Forschen, 20, both Dunseith, were injured. They were passengers in the vehicle as well as Deirdre Bursinger, 19, Dunseith. It was not reported whether Bursinger was injured. The three passengers were able to exit the vehicle and call for assistance.

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Police arrest stolen vehicle suspect

Minot Police responded to a call of a stolen vehicle shortly before 10:30 Sunday evening. Upon responding to a residence in the 1900 block of 4th Street SW, they learned of a potential suspect. Acting on that information, police located the vehicle and suspect at Jefferson Trailer Court at 3100 11th Avenue SE.

Arrested and charged with theft of a motor vehicle, a Class C felony, was 31-year-old Cammerine Elaine Binger. Binger was transported to the Ward County Jail.

Max man sentenced for meth plan

A 22-year-old Max man will serve about two years in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver in January.

Kenneth Berline Locklear was sentenced in North Central District Court in Minot on Monday, according to online court records.

Locklear was sentenced to a total of five years in prison, with all but two years suspended, and will be on supervised probation for three years. He will receive credit for 85 days already served in jail. Locklear must also obtain a chemical dependency evaluation and pay $1,025 in court costs.

Andrea Johnson

North Dakota mother suing IHS over daughter’s 2014 death

MINOT (AP) – The mother of a North Dakota woman is suing the Indian Health Service’s regional office in South Dakota and three of its doctors over what she alleges is her daughter’s wrongful death.

Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa member Shiree Wilson of Belcourt, 24, died about a week after she gave birth via Cesarean section in January 2014.

Her mother, Christine Fluhrer, alleges in court documents that the IHS and three doctors at the IHS hospital in Belcourt were negligent in Wilson’s care. The lawsuit accuses them of failing to conduct tests to follow up on Wilson’s high white blood cell count, which indicated a possible infection, and a cough.

A week after giving birth, Wilson went to the emergency room, where she reported shortness of breath that had started suddenly and was getting worse, as well as a persistent dry cough that was increasing in frequency. She was discharged after one of the doctors named in the lawsuit told her she could be treated for “bilateral atypical pneumonia and treated as an outpatient with decongestants and oral antibiotics.”

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Accused abuser’s story doesn’t check out

BERTHOLD – A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 13 for a 28-year-old Berthold man who is accused of hitting and bruising his daughter with his cell phone last week.

According to court documents, Darrell Wayne Schiff was arrested at his residence on April 6 after the girl’s school called Ward County Social Services to report the injuries on the child. The child had a large hematoma on her leg along with two other bruises, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Schiff allegedly admitted to police that he threw his cell phone in anger after his daughter spilled milk. According to the affidavit, Schiff’s version of events didn’t account for the girl’s injuries.

The girl was turned over to her mother, according to the affidavit.

Schiff is charged with Class C felony child abuse. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Andrea Johnson

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Check-out lane sex offender sentenced

A 26-year-old Minot man who exposed himself and rubbed up against a woman in the Walmart checkout lane in January 2015 will serve 18 months in prison.

John Colman Kerr was sentenced on Monday in North Central District Court in Minot to a total of 10 years in prison, with all but 18 months suspended, and five years of supervised probation. Judge Todd Cresap also ordered Kerr to complete a sex offender treatment program, register as a sex offender and pay $1,600 in court costs.

According to court documents, Kerr exposed himself to a woman and rubbed himself against the back of her pants while she was standing in the checkout lane at Super Walmart in Minot on Jan. 16, 2015. The woman later identified Kerr from a photo lineup. A DNA sample from Kerr matched the sample taken from the back of the woman’s pants, according to statements made in court last fall. Kerr said he didn’t know the victim, but admitted the offense to the investigating officer. He said he did it because “he was horny and that he needed a release,” according to the affidavit filed with the court. Kerr also said he was sorry for what he had done and wished he could take it back.

Kerr could have been sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for Class A felony gross sexual imposition.

Andrea Johnson

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Accused meth dealer in court

A 59-year-old Minot man is accused of dealing meth near Edison Elementary during the summer of 2014.

According to a listing on the North Dakota Courts site, Bobby Gene Wilson made an appearance on the Class AA felony charge in North Central District Court on Friday.

According to court documents, a criminal informant purchased one-eighth of an ounce of methamphetamine from Wilson at 1715 4th Street SW, near Edison Elementary School, on July 23, 2014.

An arrest warrant was issued for Wilson last June and was served on him Friday.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wilson on May 15.

If convicted, Wilson could face up to life in prison without parole.

Andrea Johnson

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Suspected drug thief caught on video

A 40-year-old Minot woman is accused of stealing prescription drugs from Medical Arts Clinic in Minot.

Tracy Bailey appeared on the charge on Thursday in North Central District Court, according to a North Dakota Courts listing. A pretrial conference for her is scheduled for June 15.

According to court documents, Bailey was caught on surveillance footage breaking into a medication cabinet at the clinic on March 1 and again on March 2, when she was seen stealing Toradol. Thirty-three vials of Toradol went missing since January, according to the criminal complaint, along with several syringes, some door and cabinet keys and other miscellaneous items. Bailey allegedly admitted to stealing all of the items.

Bailey is charged with criminal attempt to commit theft of property and theft of property, both Class C felonies.

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

Andrea Johnson

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Warning to older residents to beware of scam

Minot police have issued a warning to older residents of the state to beware of scammers pretending to be family members.

Police say it’s part of so-called “grandparent scams” during which people impersonate relatives in need of help and dupe unsuspecting grandparents into sending them money.

Police say an area business shared that it had three separate elderly customers seeking to purchase gift cards after receiving a call from someone claiming to be a grandchild. The business was aware of the swindle tactic and notified police.

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Two arrested

for counterfeiting

Two arrests with multiple charges resulted from a recent bust by local authorities.

Investigators with the Minot Police Department received a tip in regards to counterfeit money being made and passed. A search warrant was obtained for 7001 Hwy 2&52 West #4 and served at 10 a.m. April 6.

The search resulted in evidence being recovered at the location, to include numerous items associated with counterfeiting and counterfeit bills and various drugs and drug paraphernalia.

The counterfeit bills seized are associated with some open criminal complaints where local businesses were victims of counterfeit bills being passed. Those cases will be reviewed and may result in additional charges.

Breanna Rae Alexander-Grahn, 23, was arrested for counterfeiting, a Class B felony, as well as possession of heroin, a Class C felony, possession of methamphetamine, a Class C felony, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, Class C felonies, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, a Class B misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class C felony. Alexander also had an active warrant through the Minot Police Department.

David Jack Buhler, 29, a visitor to the residence at the time the search warrant was conducted, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class C felony.

Both were taken to the Ward County Jail, where Alexander-Grahn is being held on $15,000 bail.

Man arrested

for child abuse

A 28-year-old Berthold man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of felony child abuse, according to a press release from the Berthold police department.

Darrell Schiff was arrested at his residence after the child’s school reported finding injuries on Schiff’s daughter, according to police.

Schiff was taken to the Ward County Jail.

Andrea Johnson

Man accused of

beating girlfriend

A 24-year-old Minot man is accused of beating and choking his girlfriend last month.

Brandon Blaine Klein made an appearance Friday in North Central District Court in Minot before Judge Richard Hagar. He is charged with Class C felony aggravated assault, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine; and interference with a telephone emergency call, also a Class C felony. In addition, he is charged with violation of a protection order, a Class A misdemeanor. The next hearing date in the case is scheduled for June 15.

According to court documents, the woman said she received a Snapchat from Klein that did not sound like him and she was worried and went to his southwest Minot apartment late on the evening of March 3. Klein wasn’t there, but arrived in a taxi. The couple had an argument that turned physical. The woman told police that Klein choked her until she couldn’t breathe, leaving bruising and red marks around her neck. She also told police that she remembered “being bounced off of the walls and the floor several time and in several rooms of Klein’s residence.” She said she begged Klein to stop because she believed he would kill her. At one point she said she was on the floor and too hurt to get up and Klein would step back as though her state was amusing to him. She said she told Klein she was calling the police and pulled out her cell phone, but Klein took it away from her and broke it and continued assaulting her.

Police noted the next day that the woman had cuts in and around her mouth, red marks on her left eyebrow, bruising on her left bicep, scratches on her right arm and red marks on her back and sides as well as the injuries to her neck. The woman also told police that she had a rug burn on her knee.

There was a previous protection order in place prohibiting Klein from contacting his girlfriend. He is accused of violating that protection order.

A listing on the North Dakota Courts site shows that Klein was previously charged with aggravated assault-domestic violence, a Class C felony, on Jan. 9. That case is also still open.

Andrea Johnson

Minot YP revives microgrant program

A microgrant program to help Minot residents make an impact on their community is coming back for a second run on May 5.

The premise of Magic 60 is to encourage community members to think of projects that add to the quality of life in Minot and present them to a judging panel. All presentations must be made in 60 seconds or less. People can submit project ideas that run the gamut from community art and music to charity programs. All projects must focus on improving the community. Private business ideas will not be considered.

Sponsors have raised $10,000 for the Magic 60 grant pool. It includes $3,000 from Minot Area Community Foundation’s Bremer Impact Fund, $2,500 from United Community Bank, $2,000 from Souris Valley United Way and $2,500 from Minot Young Professionals.

“We are so grateful for the support of the Bremer Impact Fund, United Community Bank and Souris Valley United Way and the ability to provide dollars to help better our community,” said Gabriel Mejia, president of Minot Young Professionals. “When Magic 60 took place last fall, we were so impressed with the caliber of project ideas and the impact the event had on the community. We look forward to making another impact on Minot in May.”

A judging panel will hear the presentations and make awards on May 5. People should submit their project ideas by April 30 by emailing minotndyp@gmail.com with a brief description of up to 150 words, including a budget and contact information. For more information, contact Minot Young Professionals at 500-7960 or 303-0840.

Army Reserves unit to serve overseas

FARGO (AP) – More than 150 members of a Fargo-based Army Reserves unit are heading for duty in the Middle East.

The 461st Engineer Company will travel to Fort Bliss, Texas, this weekend for final training before deploying to Kuwait. The soldiers also might see duty in Jordan, Afghanistan and Iraq.

A send-off ceremony was held Friday on the North Dakota State University campus.

The unit has members from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Wisconsin.

Former chancellor to lead Iowa university

BISMARCK (AP) – Former North Dakota University System Chancellor Hamid Shirvani has a new job in Iowa.

Shirvani has been hired to be the 10th president of Briar Cliff University, a private Catholic liberal arts college in Sioux City that has about 1,150 students.

North Dakota’s Board of Higher Education bought out Shirvani’s contract three years ago after receiving complaints from some students, faculty and school presidents about his leadership style. Shirvani had spent about a year in the position. He said he was given a mandate to improve graduation rates and was merely doing his job.

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One dead after vehicle accident

One person died and two were injured early Friday after a pickup truck heading south on BIA Road 15 near Belcourt left the roadway.

According to the Highway Patrol, the driver tried to regain control of the 1999 Chevy pickup after it entered the east ditch, sliding into the west ditch, rolling twice.

The driver was ejected and died at the scene while the three passengers were able to exit the vehicle and call for assistance.

Survivors were taken to Indian Health Services in Belcourt. The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

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Sales manager spies stolen truck

On March 24, between 6:44 and 6:56 p.m., according to surveillance video, a culprit broke a window and entered into the Liechty Homes shop on South Broadway in Minot, said office supervisor DeNae Humphreys.

The intruder slowly loaded an air compressor and drill into the Liechty Homes service vehicle, a gold 2011 Ford F250 Super Duty Power Stroke Diesel, then proceeded to steal the vehicle with approximately $6,000 worth of tools inside.

On Wednesday, Tom Erie, sales manager of Liechty Homes, was traveling in Bismarck and noticed the Liechty Homes stolen vehicle. Erie turned his vehicle around and followed the stolen vehicle while calling the authorities. Erie followed the vehicle to the Wilton area where the McLean County Sheriff’s Department pulled over and arrested the driver, Edward Villagrana.

He faces one felony and three misdemeanor charges in South Central District Court. Aside from the possession of stolen property, Villagrana faces possession of drug paraphernalia, second offense driving under the influence of drugs and driving with a suspended license.

Phil Torres

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State suspects Mr. Pipes with a pipe

MANDAN A 50-year-old Parshall man has been charged with aggravated assault in Mandan after allegedly beating another man with a metal pipe and breaking his nose on Sunday.

According to court documents, William Charles Pipes was angry because the man refused to allow him to continue staying at his apartment and that meant Pipes would have to go back to living out of his van.

Pipes’ hometown is given as Parshall on the North Dakota Courts site, but he has been homeless according to court documents.

Pipes faces up to five years in prison if he is convicted of the Class C felony charge.

Pipes appeared this week in Southeast District Court in Bismarck. Bond was set at $1,000 cash and he is required to wear a drug patch.

Andrea Johnson

Briefly

Restaurant burns in Crosby

CROSBY Thursday morning at 5:30 a.m., a passerby saw flames coming out of the roof of Mr. K’s Steakhouse and Lounge in Crosby, according to Divide County Sheriff Lauren Throntveit.

Firefighters arrived on scene to see the building fully engulfed. The establishment is a total loss, while authorities do not believe foul play was involved. No one was injured.

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Former teacher pleads not guilty

BOTTINEAU Marissa Ashley DesLauriers, 24, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to one Class C felony count of corruption of a minor and two Class C felony sexual assault charges. A jury trial is scheduled for Sept. 14-16 in Northeast District Court, according to the Bottineau County Clerk of Court’s office.

DesLauriers is accused of having inappropriate sexual relationships last year with two boys, ages 17 and 15. DesLauriers is a former Bottineau High School science teacher. If convicted of all three charges, she could face up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

Andrea Johnson

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Two arrested in counterfeiting case

MINOT (AP) – Minot police have arrested two people after recovering counterfeit money and equipment used to make it during a search of a residence.

Authorities say they also uncovered drugs and drug paraphernalia in the home on Wednesday.

Police say the fake money is linked to some recent cases in which bogus bills have been passed at businesses.

Officers arrested a 23-year-old woman on felony drug and counterfeiting charges, and a 29-year-old man on a felony drug charge. Formal charges were pending.

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Agents investigate New Town death

NEW TOWN (AP) – Federal authorities are investigating what they say is a suspicious death in New Town.

Both the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are involved in the probe that the FBI confirmed.

Authorities declined to provide details, including when the person died.

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Truck plows into Mandan home

MANDAN (AP) – No one was hurt when a construction truck crashed into a home in a newly developed neighborhood in Mandan.

Homeowner Carrie Zent said she thought a window had blown in downstairs on a stormy Wednesday night. When she went to check she saw the damage and the truck and called 911.

The construction truck and trailer were loaded with concrete molds. The truck was parked on a downhill slope, and somehow broke loose and plowed into the home’s office area.

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Would-be rapist sentenced, faces more charges

Michael Alexander Williams will serve about 15 years in prison for breaking into a southeast Minot apartment and attempting to rape a woman on the day after Christmas in 2014.

According to a listing on the North Dakota Courts site, Williams, 33, Minot, was sentenced Wednesday in North Central District Court in Minot. He was found guilty by a jury in December 2015.

Judge Gary Lee sentenced him to a total of 20 years in prison for the attempted rape, with five years suspended, and to 10 years in prison for the burglary. The two sentences will run concurrently. Williams was also sentenced to five years of supervised probation following his release from prison and must complete a sex offender treatment program in prison. He will receive credit for 238 days already served in jail.

The victim said Williams broke into her apartment sometime before 7 a.m. on Dec. 26, 2014, while she was taking a bath and after her husband had left for work. The woman told authorities that Williams stood in the bathroom doorway, smirking. Williams then dropped his pants, tackled her and attempted to rape her. The woman was able to fight him off and the man ran out the back door. The woman reported the attack to police and later identified Williams from a photo lineup.

Williams is also still facing three misdemeanor indecent exposure charges, two misdemeanor stalking charges, one misdemeanor charge of failing to halt and one misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct, all from separate cases. He was awaiting trial on the attempted rape and burglary charges in August 2015 when he was charged with yet another misdemeanor indecent exposure charge in Minot. He has not yet been tried on any of those charges.

Andrea Johnson

Man gets no extra jail time for

high-speed chase

GRAND FORKS (AP) – A man who led police on a car chase from Reynolds to Grand Forks that reached speeds approaching 130 mph will see no additional jail time.

Twenty-one-year-old Cole Johnson was sentenced Tuesday. Under a plea deal with prosecutors, he will complete a drug court program and serve two years of probation.

Authorities said that during the chase last November, Johnson continued to flee even after running over a tire deflation device deployed by police, and that he had “total disregard to the public.”

Governor says ND

is weathering energy, ag slump

BISMARCK (AP) – North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple says the state’s economic strength and diversified economy is helping to weather fluctuations in the energy and agriculture industries.

Dalrymple spoke Wednesday at the state’s first demographic conference, which is focusing on how demographics impact citizens, businesses and communities.

The governor told the group at Bismarck State College that North Dakota has a “strong and growing” economic base that includes technology, manufacturing and aviation. He cited the fact that the state has more than 15,000 job openings and continues to have one of the fastest-growing populations in the country.

Dalrymple also noted that North Dakota is one of just a handful of states whose populations are getting younger, reversing a longtime trend of outmigration.

Former officer pleads guilty to child porn

WILLISTON (AP) – A former Williams County corrections officer faces more than a dozen years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a child pornography charge.

Forty-nine-year-old Steve Brooks, of Williston, reached a deal with prosecutors that calls for a 14-year prison term.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland must agree. Brooks is to be sentenced June 20.

The nine-year veteran of the county sheriff’s office was fired after his arrest in May 2015.

Man charged with attempted murder in alleged attack

LINCOLN (AP) – Bond has been set at $75,000 cash for a Lincoln man accused of trying to kill a woman by hitting her in the head with a rock and choking her.

Forty-four-year-old Arthur Crissler faces an attempted murder charge and two other felonies that together carry a maximum punishment of 30 years in prison.

Court documents don’t list an attorney for Crissler, and a home telephone listing for him could not be found.

Court documents say the 41-year-old woman was able to get away on Friday night and flag down a passing motorist when Crissler went inside a residence to allegedly get a gun.

Crissler is on federal probation for a 2007 drug-related conviction.

Bismarck man in custody on suspicion of murder

BISMARCK (AP) – A 55-year-old Bismarck man is in custody on suspicion of murder.

Police responded to an apartment building shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday after a building employee reported finding a tenant dead in his apartment.

Police said the death of 61-year-old Greg Comes is suspicious. An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death.

Officers arrested the suspect at the scene. He was jailed pending formal charges and an initial court appearance. He also is facing a terrorizing charge filed earlier in Burleigh County and is set to stand trial next month.

Patrol bringing ‘Trooper on a Bus’ campaign to Richardton

RICHARDTON (AP) – North Dakota Highway Patrol troopers are focusing on school bus safety in the Richardton area.

The patrol is bringing its “Trooper on a Bus” campaign to the area on Wednesday.

The program involves troopers riding on buses to observe traffic violations that occur around the buses and radio the information to officers in squad cars who make traffic stops.

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Former teacher faces charges for corrupting minors

BOTTINEAU – A preliminary hearing was held Wednesday in Northeast District Court in Bottineau for a one-time Bottineau High School science teacher who is accused of having inappropriate sexual relationships last year with two boys, ages 17 and 15, according to court records.

Marissa Ashley DesLauriers, 24, is charged with one Class C felony count of corruption of a minor and two Class C felony sexual assault charges. If convicted of all three charges, she could face up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

The next hearing date for DesLauriers does not appear on the North Dakota courts site.

Andrea Johnson

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Hearing scheduled for proposed oil pipeline in McKenzie County

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

Sacagawea Pipeline Company, LLC, has submitted an application for a permit to locate a new 15-mile long, 16-inch diameter crude oil pipeline and associated facilities. The pipeline system will be constructed to allow crude to flow in either direction, allowing for flexibility and access to more sales points depending on market conditions. The interconnection with the Sacagawea Pipeline and its interconnections to rail terminals and other pipeline systems will provide access to multiple refinery markets throughout the U.S. The pipeline will have a maximum capacity of 100,000 barrels per day, with a normal throughput of 75,000 barrels per day. The total cost of the project is estimated at $20 million.

The project, known as the Johnson’s Corner Connector Pipeline, would originate from a location near Johnson’s Corner and end at the Keene Crude Oil Terminal. This segment of the pipeline is about 13 miles long. The northern portion of the pipeline is co-located with a previously proposed pipeline project, which is currently pending with the commission.

The project also includes an additional two-mile long pipeline segment that would originate from Johnson’s Corner and interconnect with the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The hearing begins at 9 a.m. in Teddy’s Residential Suites.

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Suspect could face life in prison

ROLLA An 18-year-old Dunseith man is accused of committing a forcible sexual assault in St. John last fall, according to court documents.

If convicted of the Class AA felony charge, Lance Nadeau Jr. could be sentenced to up to life in prison without possibility of parole.

The incident reportedly occurred on Oct. 17, 2015.

According to court records, Northeast District Court Judge John McClintock ordered that Nadeau be evaluated earlier this year at the state hospital in Jamestown.

A status hearing is scheduled for April 18 in Rolla.

Andrea Johnson

Man accused of abusing two boys

GARRISON – A 25-year-old Garrison man is accused of sexually abusing two young boys, ages 11 and 14, in Garrison last December.

Dillon Blaine Sprenger appeared in South Central District Court in Washburn on Tuesday. He is charged with two counts of Class A felony gross sexual imposition and two Class A misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure.

According to court documents, Sprenger allegedly exposed himself to the boys on different occasions and then assaulted them.

If convicted on all charges, Sprenger could be sentenced to more than 40 years in prison.

Andrea Johnson

Belcourt man accused of assaulting officer

RUGBY – A 40-year-old Belcourt man is accused of assaulting a law enforcement officer in Pierce County on Monday.

According to court documents, Jeremy Linn Dubois is charged with simple assault on a peace officer, a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Dubois is also charged with preventing arrest, a Class A misdemeanor.

He made an appearance in Northeast District Court in Rugby on Tuesday.

Another hearing for Dubois is scheduled for May 17 in Northeast District Court before Judge John McClintock.

Andrea Johnson

Briefly

Warrant issued for Minot man

Court records show that a bench warrant was issued Tuesday for a man accused of trying to steal a car at the Minot International Airport last October.

Jerrad Lee Lesmann, 27, Minot, was scheduled to go on trial in the case next week, but court listings show that Judge Stacy Louser canceled the jury trial on Tuesday and Lesmann’s attorney filed a motion to withdraw from the case.

According to court documents, Minot police officers received a report on Oct. 21 that a man had attempted to use a drill on a vehicle’s ignition and then ran east when the owners of the vehicle approached him. Officers searched the area on foot. Someone who lives in the area called the police dispatcher to report that a man was in her backyard in the 1200 block of Fourth Street Northeast. An officer located Lesmann in the back yard of the residence. He read Lesmann his Miranda rights. Lesmann told the officer that he had been at his girlfriend’s house with his dog, the dog got loose and he was chasing after it. He told the officer that he had been outside for only about three minutes before the officer stopped him. Officers checked with residents at neighboring apartments, but none of the residents said they knew Lesmann. Lesmann was also unable to provide an accurate phone number for his girlfriend. The officers were also unable to locate any dog in the area.

The owners of the vehicle also positively identified Lesmann as the man who had been trying to steal their vehicle, according to the affidavit by Officer Jordan Froehlich. He wrote that the ignition of the vehicle was so badly damaged that it would have to be replaced. The estimated cost of replacement is $1,000.

Lesmann is charged with theft of property and unlawful entry into a vehicle, both Class C felonies, and criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted of all the charges, he could be sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.

Andrea Johnson

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Court date set for alleged car thief

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 12 for a 22-year-old Minot man accused of possession of a stolen car over the weekend.

Jacob Todd Stein made his initial appearance in North Central District Court in Minot on Monday. He is charged with a Class C felony that carries a maximum of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to court documents, police reportedly saw Stein pumping gas into the stolen black Toyota 1998 4Runner at the Cenex Gas Station at 1809 S. Broadway at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday. Police ran a registration check, determined the car was stolen and stopped Stein. Stein allegedly told them that a woman drove the vehicle to the station and then left in another vehicle.

Andrea Johnson

Briefly

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minot State’s softball team gave up its second late lead of the weekend, and was swept by Sioux Falls on Sunday at Sherman Park.

The Beavers led by four runs after four and a half innings, but eventually fell 8-6 in Game 1. MSU was then topped 10-2 in six innings in the nightcap, bringing its record to to 1-9 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play, good for a last-place tie.

Sunday’s defeats spoiled an otherwise solid day from sophomore first baseman Ashley Hill, who hit a combined 5 for 7 on the day with a home run and three RBIs. She went 4 for 4 in Game 1, driving in two while hitting her fifth dinger of the year.

In the opener, MSU scored three runs in the third inning and two in the fifth to stretch a 5-1 lead, but USF countered with four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning – two of whiche were unearned – to knot the game at 5-all.

The Beavers took their final lead of the game with an unearned run of their own in the sixth, as Hill drove in junior Clarissa Ramirez with her fourth single of the afternoon. After that, the Cougars jumped in front for good, bringing seven batters to the plate and scoring three in a decisive sixth inning.

MSU starter Jenn Spencer pitched six innings, giving up 12 hits and eight runs – five earned – while striking out two. Ramirez, freshman Isis Cabral, sophomore Kyla Larson, and juniors Rachel Burdette and Jordan Grant each registered two hits in the loss, as MSU racked up 15 as a team.

The Beavers took the initial lead in Game 2, as well.

Burdette opened the scoring with her fifth home run of the season in the top of the first. Minot State preserved the same advantage until USF scored five in the third to seize a 5-1 lead. Hill got the Beavers back to 5-2 with a fourth-inning homer, but the Cougars scored two in the fourth, one in the fifth and finished the game with a run in the sixth to activate the 8-run rule.

After playing six straight on the road, the Beavers return home for three consecutive Northern Sun doubleheaders, beginning with a pair of games against Northern State on Wednesday at Herb Parker Stadium.

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Augie routs MSU, caps weekend sweep

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana defeated Minot State’s baseball team by a combined 23 runs Sunday. The Beavers lost 14-6 and 16-1, and were outhit by the Vikings 32-16.

MSU got off to a good start in Game 1, as a three-run homer from freshman Celestino Rodriguez – who later added a solo shot in the third – stretched a 3-0 lead for the Beavers in the first inning.

Sophomore outfielder Kyle Williamson and junior catcher Jarrod Adams also had a multi-hit games in the opener, but those did little to stave off the Vikings’ potent attack.

In Game 2, MSU’s the lone run was scored from another home run, this time from junior Taylor Williamson.

Minot State travels for an exhibition contest at North Dakota State at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

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Minot State takes 7th at Upper Iowa

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WATERLOO, Iowa – Minot State’s women’s golf team finished seventh at the Upper Iowa Spring Invite, the final round of which was played Sunday at Sunnyside Country Club.

The tournament was halted Saturday after just nine holes, forcing the field to complete the first round Sunday morning and the final round Sunday afternoon.

Concordia-St. Paul won the tournament with an overall mark of 665, finishing 11 strokes ahead of host and runner-up Upper Iowa. The Golden Bears finished 1-2-3 on the individual leaderboard, as Kari Opatz held off two teammates with a 158.

MSU senior Danielle Foster continued her solid spring play, carding a two-day score of 175. Foster cut a stroke from her first-round score, but slipped from 11th to 13th overall to pace the Beavers.

Junior Kayla Barke was MSU’s other top-20 finisher. She cut three strokes in Round 2 for a two-round total of 179, good for 17th.

Senior Kayla Palczewski finished in a tie with two other golfers for 31st at 192. Alexandria Bernier took 42nd, while Samantha Cottingham finished 44th.

MSU travels to Coon Rapids, Minn., for the Minnesota State Invite on April 16-17.

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MSU men take 8th in Waterloo

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WATERLOO, Iowa – Minot State’s men’s golf team added seven combined strokes on Day 2, and fell back to an eighth-place tie Sunday at the Upper Iowa Spring Invite, played at Sunnyside Country Club.

The field golfed 27 holes Sunday after Saturday’s first round was suspended after nine.

MSU tied host Upper Iowa with a 669 team total.

The field chased eventual winner Bemidji State throughout the tournament. BSU shot a 627 overall to best runner-up Minnesota State-Mankato by five strokes. Bemidji’s Will Czeh topped teammate topped Aaron Leintz and Augustana’s Clay Kopplin by four to claim the individual crown.

MSU was paced by freshman Matthew Kreutz, who shot a 160 and tied for 16th with three other golfers. Minot State’s lone top-20 finisher, Kreutz added two strokes to his Round 2 score.

Junior Karson O’Keefe followed his first collegiate tournament win last week with a 168, good for 29th. Senior Nicholas Liebel finished tied for 38th with a 171, while freshman Aaron Ogrodnick and sophomore Jacob DeCoteau took 40th and 49th, respectively.

The Beavers cap their season with the Northern Sun Spring Championships this weekend in Smithville, Mo.

Briefly

Higher Education Committee to meet

BOTTINEAU – On Monday April 18, 2016,the Legislative Management’s ND State Interim Higher Education Committee will meet at Dakota College at Bottineau in the Centennial Alumni Center located in Thatcher Hall. The meeting will be at 1 p.m.

The agenda will include presentations and committee discussion regarding higher education. It will also include an item for public comment if anyone from the campus or community would like to address the committee.

The public is welcome to attend.

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Oak Park Bridge replacement begins Tuesday

A major east-west roadway will be closed to all traffic beginning Tuesday, according to the City of Minot.

The Oak Park Bridge on Fourth Avenue Northwest will be replaced at a cost of about $1.6 million. The project involves replacing the bridge just east of 16th Street Northwest and the street lighting from 17th Street to the river by 10th Street.

Fourth Avenue Northwest will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic just east of 16th Street, starting Tuesday morning. A detour will be in place that takes motorists north on 16th Street, east on University Avenue and south on Broadway. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes as traffic will be heavy on those corridors.

In addition, the city reminds motorists the residential speed limit of 25 mph will be strictly enforced. Many pedestrians, including children, frequent this detour area.

Construction is expected to last through July 8.

Briefly

Two men face drug-related charges

Minot police arrested a Minot man earlier this week on several drug charges and also for endangering a child.

Matthew Bergeson, 28, was arrested Tuesday and charged with possession of marijuana paraphermalia, a Class B misdemeanor; possession of marijuana paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor; possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, a Class B felony; and endangerment of a child, a Class C felony.

About 4 p.m., Tuesday officers responded to 400 18th Avenue SE #54 to investigate the odor of marijuana coming from that apartment. Officers confirmed a strong odor of marijuana was coming from the apartment and an officer made contact with Bergeson, but eventually had to obtain a search warrant for the residence after consent from Bergeson was denied. Bergeson’s 3-year-old daughter was also in the apartment when officers arrived. A search warrant of the apartment was obtained and served, resulting in officers seizing about 4 ounces of marijuana, items used in distribution of controlled substances, and marijuana paraphernalia.

In another incident, on Thursday police arrested and charged Joshua Blum, 31, Lake Charles, La., with possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor; possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class C felony; driving under suspension, a Class B misdemeanor; and for two outstanding warrants.

About 11:30 a.m., officers responded to 3100 11th Avenue SE, A Row, to investigate a suspicious vehicle in the neighborhood. Upon contact with the vehicle, the driver was identified as 31-year-old Joshua Blum. It was discovered Blum’s driver’s license was suspended in North Dakota and Louisiana. He was also in possession of marijuana, methamphetamine paraphernalia and had a no-bond warrant for a parole violation. He was arrested without incident and taken to the Ward County Jail.

Briefly

Hearing set in domestic violence case

A 29-year-old Minot man is accused of choking his girlfriend Tuesday until she was unconscious.

Anthony Russellpatton Stout is charged with aggravated assault-domestic violence, a Class C felony. He made his initial appearance Wednesday in North Central District Court in Minot.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Stout called police to report that his girlfriend had hit him with an aluminum flashlight and that she then accidentally struck her toddler.

The alleged victim told police that she was packing to leave with her two children and Stout became angry. She said he poured lighter fluid over her belongings on the porch, threatened to set fire to them and choked her until she was unconscious. When she regained consciousness, she told police her 17-month-old son was standing over her, crying “Mama, mama.” The child had blood on his shirt. Police said the youngster also had a contusion on the top of his head. The woman said she didn’t know how her son came to be injured.

The woman had faint scratches and a pinkish mark on her throat, according to police, and Stout had a bump on his forehead.

Both the woman and child were checked out by an ambulance crew at the scene and didn’t require transport to the hospital.

A preliminary hearing for Stout is scheduled for May 5 before Judge Gary Lee.

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

Andrea Johnson

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Hustling horse will cost young man jail time

A 21-year-old Minot man was sentenced Thursday for dealing heroin last year in Minot.

According to a listing on the North Dakota Courts site, Jacob Brandt pleaded guilty in North Central District Court to two counts of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance with intent to deliver, both Class A felonies, and fraudulent practices in urine testing, a Class A misdemeanor. The offenses date back to July and October 2015. A Class A felony carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail.

Brandt was sentenced to a total of three years in prison, with a requirement that he serve at least eight months before he is released, and to two years and 11 months of supervised probation. The sentence will be served at the Ward County Jail and he will be allowed release for work or school per the jail’s rules. He was granted a deferred imposition of sentence. He will also have to pay $1,025 in court costs and undergo a chemical dependency evaluation. The sentences are concurrent.

Andrea Johnson

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