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Dunseith man inducted in musician’s hall of fame

DUNSEITH Dick Johnson of Dunseith was recently inducted into the prestigious Dakota Musician’s Association’s 2016 Hall of Fame

Johnson has known music all his life. His father was a band and choir teacher and he had music all around him growing up. In 2007, Johnson formed the country/bluegrass band Highway 43 with his wife, Brenda. Over the years the band has performed in a number of different venues that consists of all shapes and sizes from nursing homes, to car shows, to music festivals.

In 2015, Johnson formed a second band called the Dakota Drifters and has followed the same path with this band as he has with Highway 43. Highway 43 and Dakota Drifters are best known for the concerts they have performed at the Frozen Fingers Festivals, Norsk Hostfest and other events. This year, Dakota Drifters will be back at the Norsk Hostfest where the group will play eight concerts in four days.

Outside of performing, Johnson and his wife also spend their time preserving the songs of the past by being members of Minot’s Frozen Fingers Music Association, where the couple volunteer their time coordinating jams, planning events and printing newsletters. They have been the vice president and administrative assistant of the organization for the past nine years.

Johnson, a plain speaking man, takes his induction straight to his humble heart. “It is a very humbling thing and it is a great thing and great honor which I am hoping that I am deserving of.”

Charles Kadrmas of Dickinson and Elmer Faser of Dodge both accordionists, were also inducted into the Hall of Fame in Aberdeen, S.D.

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Construction begins Aug. 1 on ND Highway 5

MOHALL Construction begins Aug. 1 on N.D. Highway 5 west of Mohall.

The work will consist of milling and repairing the deck overlay on the Mouse River bridge 12 miles west of Mohall.

During construction, speeds will be reduced to 25 mph through the work area. A width restriction of 10 feet will be in place. Traffic signals will be used and motorists may experience delays when waiting for the traffic signal.

An alternate route is available for larger-sized vehicles: Eastbound will go south on U.S. 52 to N.D. 28, then north to N.D. 5. Westbound will go south on N.D. 28 to U.S. 52 at Carpio and then north to the Junction of N.D. 5/U.S. 52.

The project is expected to be complete at the end of September, weather permitting.

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Equipment failures cause temporary outages

Equipment failures led to two temporary power outages affecting central Minot Wednesday and Thursday.

Wednesday evening an underground cable failed in the 1400 block of Railway Avenue Northeast, according to Xcel Energy. About 1,600 customers were out of power for about an hour and 20 minutes. Crews continued to make repairs Thursday.

On Thursday morning, a main line overhead conductor failed, creating a power outage for about an hour on Central Avenue and east for 2,482 customers. Repairs were completed Thursday.

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Pottery workshop today at Knife River Indian Villages

STANTON A pottery workshop will be be held today from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site near Stanton.

Visitors will get their hands in the clay while learning about traditional coil and paddle and hand-building techniques. They will have the opportunity to attempt their own hand-thrown pots at the wheel. Stanton potter Brian Kerns will lead the pottery demonstrations. All supplies will be furnished by the park and no registration is required. Pottery-related interpretive programs will add to the experience throughout the day.

The pottery workshop will conclude the Hands on History Series at Knife River Indian Villages.

Knife River’s next visitor program will be an afternoon of ethnobotany and traditional knowledge shared and led by Linda Black Elk held on Aug. 18.

For more information call 745-3300.

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Owner of fire-ravaged Bison Turf says he plans to rebuild

FARGO (AP) – The owner of a popular Fargo bar and restaurant heavily damaged by fire a week ago says he wants to rebuild, but the city says tearing down the Bison Turf might be a better idea.

The city has labeled the building dangerous and says owner Pete Sabo has two months to make repairs or demolish the structure.

Sabo said he thinks the building can be repaired and brought up to code, and even improved.

“I’ve got every confidence I’m going to be rebuilding it,” he said. “I’m going to put it back the way it was, it’s not going to be a new and modern bar.”

He hopes to be back in business by Oct. 1, which is homecoming weekend for North Dakota State University. The bar near campus gets its name from NDSU’s Bison nickname.

Sabo estimates repair costs from the July 22 fire at up to $1 million. City Planning Director Jim Gilmour said in such cases, it’s often less expensive to raze the building and start over.

The cause of the fire still hasn’t been officially determined. Sabo believes it was electrical in nature and started in a kitchen exhaust fan because employees noticed an electrical-type odor and saw flames on the roof. The business employs nearly three dozen people.

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Sheriff’s trial pushed

to October

Ward County Sheriff Steve Kukowski had his jury trial moved to Oct. 3 during a dispositional conference via telephone Thursday. Kukowski had been scheduled for trial Aug. 29.

Kukowski is currently on paid suspension while awaiting a ruling from a special commissioner regarding procedures followed concerning his suspension. Following the ruling by the special commissioner, which is expected this week, the governor’s office is expected to conclude their removal procedures.

During Thursday’s telephonic conference conducted by Judge Lolita G. Romanick of Grand Forks, special prosecutor Seymour Jordan of Divide County was granted a continuance. Romanick was chosen to preside over the Kukowski case after all judges in the Northwest District recused themselves due to their associations with Kukowski and to avoid any possibility of favoritism. Jordan was appointed special prosecutor by the Ward County Commission.

Kukowski is charged with two Class A misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and one Class A misdemeanor count of public servant refusing to perform duty. The charges were brought following the death of inmate Dustin Irwin, Mandaree, on Oct. 6, 2014. Irwin died shortly after being exchanged with Burleigh County for another prisoner.

Co-ops receive USDA loans to

improve broadband

During Co-op Day at the North Dakota State Fair, USDA Rural Development announced two loans to help local cooperatives expand and improve broadband service to customers.

Northwest Communications Cooperative will receive a $40 million loan and SRT Communications will receive a $15 million loan through USDA’s Telecommunications Infrastructure program.

Serving the counties of Williams, Divide, Burke and Mountrail, Northwest will use the financing to build-out its fiber optic network. A portion of funds will also purchase and install new equipment. When the system improvements are complete, 100 percent of Northwest’s subscribers will be served by fiber.

SRT will use the loan funds to upgrade the rural portions of exchanges at Deering, Sawyer, and Minot from an aging copper system to a fiber optic network. The upgraded system will allow SRT to meet current and future requirements for delivery of voice, high speed data and video to subscribers.

“Being able to connect with people from anywhere in the world opens up a lot of economic and educational opportunities and provides numerous social benefits,” said Ryan Taylor, USDA Rural Development state director. “North Dakota has some of the most advanced, connected rural areas in the country. That only comes with commitment and capital the commitment of cooperatives like SRT and Northwest Communications to provide gig-capable service, and their access to affordable capital from USDA Rural Development.”

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Man accused of kicking two cops while resisting arrest at Denny’s

A 27-year-old Minot man is accused of kicking two Minot police officers when they tried to arrest him at Denny’s Restaurant in Minot early Thursday morning.

David Lee Garaas is scheduled to make an initial appearance on the Class C felony assault charge in North Central District Court in Minot today.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, Denny’s called police to report that Garaas and Christopher Williams, 23, had eaten at the restaurant and were refusing to pay their food bill. Williams said he assumed he and Garaas would be able to wash dishes at the restaurant to pay for their food because they had no money. Garaas claimed he was going to pay for his meal another day.

Officers Kate Debowey and Krysta Becker placed Garaas and Williams under arrest. Becker wrote that she led Garaas to her patrol car, had him face the vehicle and searched him. She took a cigar from him and tossed it to the ground. Garaas allegedly turned toward her and “charged her” with his body. Becker ordered him to get on the ground. Garaas kicked Debowey and then kicked Becker in the shin while he was resisting arrest, according to Becker’s account. He continued to physically resist the two officers while they forced him into the back of the patrol vehicle.

Garaas is also charged with Class B misdemeanor theft of services. Williams is also charged with Class B misdemeanor theft of services.

If convicted of the Class C felony, Garaas could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Andrea Johnson

Construction delay to affect Ramstad traffic

Plans for improved traffic flow when classes begin this fall at Erik Ramstad Middle School this fall have been spoiled by a street project that is about five weeks behind schedule.

Lance Meyer, Minot city engineer, said the $2.9 million extension of 36th Avenue Northwest won’t be completed until mid- to late September. The issue lies with a delay attributed to an underground contractor who has not kept up to speed on the rate of work.

Meyer said underground utilities should be finished this week. The prime contractor, Keller Paving, then will be able to bring in two crews next week to start roadwork. At this point, it is not possible to fully catch up, and Meyer said he expects the city to charge the contractor liquidated damages due to the delay.

The extension of 36th Avenue is expected to help alleviate traffic congestion around the new middle school. The project had an original completion date of Aug. 26.

Jill Schramm

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Man accused

of preventing wife from making emergency call

A 20-year-old Minot man is accused of preventing his wife from making an emergency call during a dispute on July 19.

Isaiah Dequan Furley is charged with a Class C felony. According to court documents, Furley allegedly shoved his 19-year-old wife into a door and took away her phone when she tried to call the police.

Early the next morning, his wife called police again to ask them to look for her vehicle, which she said her husband had taken.

Police located Furley in a parking lot but said Furley ran away when the officer got out of the patrol car and ordered him to stop. The officer gave chase. They said they eventually located Furley hiding in someone else’s vehicle.

Furley was then charged with refusing to halt, a first offense, a Class B misdemeanor, and unlawfully concealing himself in a motor vehicle that was not his, a Class C felony.

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

A preliminary hearing for Furley is scheduled for Aug. 25 in North Central District Court in Minot.

Andrea Johnson

Girlfriend wants domestic violence related charges dropped

A bench warrant was issued on Thursday for a 34-year-old Minot woman accused of punching her girlfriend, then trying to strangle the woman and preventing her from making an emergency call. The offense allegedly took place in April.

Carmen Alise Belser is charged with aggravated assault and interference with an emergency telephone call, both Class C felonies. She was supposed to appear in court for a pretrial conference in North Central District Court on Wednesday.

Belser’s girlfriend wrote a letter to the court asking to have a protection order preventing her from seeing Belser dropped. The woman also asked the judge to drop the charges against Belser, whom she said is her fiance. In the letter, she said Belser never tried to choke her or physically harm her and she never wanted charges brought against Belser.

If convicted of both charges, Belser could face up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Andrea Johnson

Parade winners

to be announced

Winners of the 2016 North Dakota State Parade are scheduled to be announced Wednesday.

A number of awards are presented to units in various categories in the parade.

Jim Clifford, chairman of the Parade Committee, said the parade on Saturday was one of the largest N.D. State Parade’s held. More than 235 units were in the approximately 4 1/2-hour parade.

Eloise Ogden

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Minot PD vehicle involved in crash

The N.D. Highway Patrol reports a Minot Police Department 2015 Ford Taurus driven by Zachary Peppelman, 28, and a 2014 Buick Verano driven by Lyvia Roark, 16, Berthold, crashed at the junction of Burdick Expressway and Sixth Street SW Friday at 5:20 p.m.

The police vehicle had its red lights and siren activated at the time. No one was injured. The Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Eloise Ogden

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Man identified after rollover

RUGBY The North Dakota Highway Patrol has released the name of a Balta man who died in a one-vehicle rollover on N.D. Highway 3, 10 miles south of Rugby on Friday.

He was identified as Randall McDonald, 64.

Eloise Ogden

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Woman faces child neglect charges

BISMARCK (AP) – Authorities say a Bismarck woman faces child neglect charges due to unsanitary conditions at her home.

Bismarck Police Sgt. Mark Buschena said that four children under the woman’s care were removed from the home on Thursday. He says relatives are now caring for the children, who range in age from 2 to 9.

Authorities say the residence was declared unlivable by a city health inspector, who found animal and human waste, garbage and food on home’s floor.

Buschena says an officer smelled foul odors while he was interviewing the woman 30 feet from her home.

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Authorities urging Devils Lake bridge jumpers to stop

DEVILS LAKE (AP) – The North Dakota Highway Patrol says law enforcement has responded to several reports of people using a highway bridge near Devils Lake as a platform to jump into the water.

Patrol Sgt. Bob Kennedy said that people are jumping off the Highway 20 bridge south of Devils Lake. He says several people have called 911 to complain about the bridge jumpers.

Kennedy says it is illegal for pedestrians to be on the bridge – and jumping off of it is dangerous. He says there is “tons and tons of debris” underneath the bridge as the result of construction over the years.

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Balta man dies in one-vehicle rollover

RUGBY A 64-year-old Balta resident died Friday in a one-vehicle rollover on N.D. Highway 3, 10 miles south of Rugby.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol said the man was going south on Highway 3 from Rugby to his residence in Balta when the 1997 Jeep Cherokee he was driving drifted into the west ditch. Once in the west ditch the vehicle struck an approach, causing the Jeep to roll end over end, coming to rest in the west ditch. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was not ejected. He died at the scene.

The accident happened at 11:58 a.m. The name of the man will be released pending notification of next of kin.

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Man sentenced for spitting at cop

A 52-year-old man will be on probation for two years for spitting at a Minot police officer when he was arrested outside a Minot bar in the early hours of June 16.

Scott Allen Gilbert was sentenced to one year in jail, with all time suspended except for the 36 days he has already served. He was also ordered to obtain a chemical dependency evaluation and pay $1,100 in court costs.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, Gilbert was sleeping on the sidewalk next to a large backpack outside Roosters, at 101 South Main, at about 1:09 a.m. Thursday. Minot Police Officer Jay Bloyer told him to wake up and said Gilbert appeared to be intoxicated and slurred his words. When he stood up and stumbled against the wall, Bloyer decided Gilbert was too drunk to take care of himself and decided to take him to detox. Gilbert physically resisted the officers when they tried to take him into custody. Bloyer wrote that Gilbert spit at him twice and continued to struggle and make threats after he was arrested.

He pleaded guilty to the Class C felony charge on Friday in North Central District Court.

Andrea Johnson

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Coffee with Cramer town hall events set

Congressman Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., will hold Coffee with Cramer Town Hall events in area communities during the first two weeks in August.

They are as follows:

Tuesday, Aug. 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Devils Lake, Dunn Brothers Coffee.

Tuesday, Aug. 2, 3-4 p.m., Rugby, Coffee Cottage Cafe.

Tuesday, Aug. 16, 10-11 a.m., Tioga, Neset Consulting Conference Room.

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White Earth man charged with rape

A 45-year-old White Earth man is accused of forcibly raping and of physically assaulting his girlfriend on Thursday.

James Earl Douglas is charged with gross sexual imposition, a Class AA felony that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole, and simple assault-domestic violence, a Class B misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail. Douglas is being held at the Mountrail County Jail in Stanley on $100,000 bond. He made an initial apperance Thursday in North Central District Court in Stanley.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, Douglas’s girlfriend called the Mountrail County Sheriff’s Department and reported that Douglas had beaten her. When law enforcement arrived, the woman reportedly told them that Douglas had punched her in the chest and face, pushed her to the floor, kicked her in the back of the head and forced her to perform a sexual act upon him despite her protests.

The woman told law enforcement that she and Douglas had moved from Texas to the area last month.

Andrea Johnson

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‘Sweating, incoherent Bismarck man’ charged with trespass

A 36-year-old Bismarck man is accused of trespassing in a southwest Minot apartment on Wednesday night.

Karl Benjamin Holley is charged in North Central District Court in Minot with criminal trespass, a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, a man called police to report that an unknown male was in his sister’s apartment. He and his sister followed the man on foot as he was walking northbound on a street. Police arrived on scene and ordered the man to stop and put his hands behind his back, but Holley allegedly did not comply. Police noted that Holley appeared to be sweating, incoherent, had trouble speaking and struggled to state his name. When they asked him where he was, Holley told them he was in Bismarck.

The complainants told police they don’t know Holley and had asked him to leave the apartment many times. The woman’s brother eventually punched Holley in the face and physically pushed him out of the apartment. When police asked Holley if he was invited to the apartment, he pointed at the young woman and claimed she had invited him in. The woman said she did not.

Andrea Johnson

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State Fair Food Drive: Donate food, save at gate

On Monday, July 25, those going to the North Dakota State Fair can get a dollar off admission when they help people from all over the state by donating food. The fair’s food drive benefits families from Williston to Fargo.

All of the non-perishable food items and money donated will go to The Salvation Army of North Dakota.

Donating is simple. When arriving at the fairgrounds seek out a Salvation Army volunteer at any one of the five gates, and they will take the food and be sure it goes where it’s needed.

The Salvation Army has locations in Minot, Williston, Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks and Jamestown as well as extended services in every county in the state.

“This is a wonderful event and your small contribution can make a great impact and difference in our community,” said Capt. Randy Stahl, Minot Salvation Army administrator. “We’re so thankful for our partnership with the North Dakota State Fair and appreciate all of your help to make this event a success year after year.”

Those who can’t make it to the fair, can still help by donating online to food programs in their local community. The Salvation Army is also in need of volunteers. Those who are able are asked to consider volunteering to help their community.

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Arnegard receives loan for new lagoon

The city of Arnegard has been awarded a $280,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund toward a $3.4 million proejct to construct a new three-cell lagoon system to handle treatment of wastewater, according to the North Dakota Department of Health.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides part ofthe funding for the revolving loan program, which offers below-market interest rate loans to political subdivisions for financing projects authorized under the Clean Water Act.

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Turtle Mountain to pilot healthcare program

The Turtle Mountain area has been selected by Indian Health Services for a pilot program to increase Medicare and Medicaid enrollment in tribal communities, according to U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-ND, who had requested the program.

The pilot will be offered at the Quentin N. Burdick Memorial Health Care Facility in Belcourt, which serves the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and at five other IHS facilities in other states across the country.

By targeting patients who are eligible but not currently enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare, IHS expects the pilot program to expand health care options for IHS patients and increase resources available for IHS to spend on patient care. Medicaid and Medicare reimburse IHS for services that IHS facilities provide to Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries, so expanding enrollment in these programs can free up funds for local facilities to spend on hiring, new equipment, and additional services.

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Spitzer’s last city band concert tonight

After 33 years as director of the Minot City Band, Jerry Spitzer is stepping down from that position.

He will conduct his last City Band concert, the Sousa concert, tonight at 7 p.m. in the new amphitheater in Oak Park in Minot.

The band will be riding in the “band wagon” in the North Dakota State Parade on Saturday.

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Workshop at Knife River Indian Villages

STANTON Rebecca Stroup will lead a free Natural Paints and Dyes Workshop at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site on Saturday. The program will be held in and around the park picnic shelter from 1-3 p.m.

Stroup is park ranger at Knife River Indian Villages NHS with a background as a biologist and has a deep interest in the uses of plants, yesterday and today. She will explain how the various plants have been and can still be used. Part of the workshop experience will be a hands-on activity where attendees will be able to paint an item using natural paints made from plants found in the area.

“Northern Plains Indians have made and used natural paints and dyes for centuries,” said Stroup. “They were highly trained to find just the right plants from their surrounding environment, then use specific parts to make a variety of colors. Given the right skills, people today can do the same.”

For more information, call the park at 701-745-3300.

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Bottineau airport receives improvement grant

BOTTINEAU Bottineau Municipal Airport Authority has been awarded $293,347 from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund airport improvement projects, according to the state’s congressional delegation.

The projects include the rehabilitation of 3,700 feet of runway, rehabilitation of 7,467 square yards of the existing apron and rehabilitation of 2,005 feet of taxiways. The project will also fund the widening of an existing taxiway to enhance the safety of aircraft operations.

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Release of emulsion occurs at site near Keene

KEENE A piping connection leak caused the release of 10,500 gallons of emulsion (a mixture of produced water and oil) Tuesday at the R.L. Olson No. 10, about 10 miles southeast of Keene.

Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC reported the emulsion was contained to the facility.

About 9,660 gallons was recovered from the site, the North Dakota Department of Oil and Gas said. Clean-up was continuing Wednesday. A state inspector visited the location Wednesday.

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Minot to expand bus routes, service hours

Minot will be expanding its city bus routes and extending service hours on Aug. 1.

The changes are the result of research that began in 2013 when the city hired a consulting firm to look into ways to improve citywide bus service. It’s been a long road, according to Transit Superintendent Brian Horinka.

“Three long years in the works and we’re finally ready to make it a reality,” Horinka said.

City transit routes will extend from eight hours of operation to 12 hours. Instead of the current mid-day schedule, buses will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“We had to update the schedule to help more people get around the city,” said Horinka. “With the growth we’ve seen in such a short amount of time, our routes just were not meeting the needs of the community. Now, I know we will.”

Horinka spent more than 20 months redrawing routes and designing a new schedule. Minot will continue to operate six routes that run in 30-minute increments. Horinka urges current consumers of the city transit system to expect a change in their current routes and schedule. The new routes have been designed to continue to serve Minot Public School students as much as possible. However, there will be no early-morning or afternoon take-home routes during the school year.

The city has added three new job positions to accommodate the expanded routes. The Minot Municipal Auditorium will remain as the transfer location and city buses will remain as a “flag service,” which allows riders to flag the bus down on city corners.

Maps of the new routes may be found on the city’s website at minotnd.org and Facebook page.

Ten-ride tickets may be purchased at City Hall, the Public Works office in southeast Minot, all Marketplace Foods locations and Town and Country White Drug. People can purchase 31-day passes at City Hall and Public Works.

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Authorities rescue man who jumped in Red River

GRAND FORKS (AP) – Grand Forks authorities say they rescued a man who ran from police and jumped into the Red River.

Police say the incident happened about 2:20 a.m. Saturday. Officers on bicycle patrol responding to a report of a possible assault tried talking to the 26-year-old man when he took off running.

The man eventually jumped off the south side of the Sorlie Bridge and into the river. Police and fire department personnel in boats searched the water for about 25 minutes before finding the man along the west bank of the river near the bridge.

The man was transported to a local hospital. His condition is not known.

Police have forwarded the case to the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

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Alleged burglar

apologized to homeowner

A 30-year-old Minot man is accused of burglarizing a backyard storage unit in northwest Minot on Thursday.

Jesse Jon Nielsen is charged with burglary, a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

“I’ve been homeless for four months,” Nielsen told the judge, asking that he be released on a personal recognizance bond. It would be impossible for him to pay 10 percent of a $5,000 bond, Nielsen told the judge. Nielsen said he is also needed to take care of his wife, who has a disability.

According to statements made in court, Nielsen allegedly apologized to the owner of the storage unit after he was seen moving around in the backyard and told the man that he was hungry.

North Central District Court Judge Gary Lee set bond at $2,500 with a requirement that Nielsen post 10 percent of that. He must also give the jail a valid address before he is able to be released on bond. Lee also ordered that he stay away from the alleged victim and the address that was reportedly burglarized.

A preliminary hearing has been set for 10 a.m. Aug. 19 before Lee.

Andrea Johnson

Location selected for new Watford City post office

WATFORD CITY The U.S. Postal Service has selected a location for the new and expanded location of the Watford City Post Office, Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., announced Friday.

The 9,000-square-foot building is located at 1204 4th Avenue NE and has parking space for customers and capacity for 10 postal carrier routes. It will house more than 2,900 post office boxes, 16 sections of parcel lockers and two service windows.

Remodeling will begin this fall, and USPS expects to have the facility fully operational in early 2017. Services at the current facility will remain the same until the new post office opens.

“Our infrastructure and public services need to have the capacity to meet the demands of our growing economy,” Hoeven said. “We have worked hard to ensure that the USPS can accommodate the needs of our residents and their businesses. This new facility is one part of those efforts and will help support Watford City’s continued growth.”

The selected location is about 2,000 square feet larger than initially planned.

Dalrymple directs flags flown at half-staff

BISMARCK In accordance with a directive from President Obama, Gov. Jack Dalrymple has directed state government agencies and encouraged North Dakotans to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the victims of the attack in Nice, France.

The governor’s directive directs that flags be lowered to half-staff effective immediately and continuing until sunset on Tuesday, July 19.

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Pretrial conference set in domestic violence case

A pretrial conference is scheduled Sept. 21 for a 20-year-old Minot man accused of punching his girlfriend until she blacked out during an argument on June 4.

Corey John Bueschel was scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in North Central District Court in Minot on Thursday. He is charged with aggravated assault-domestic violence, a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, the girl, who was 17 at the time, told police that Bueschel punched her in the back of the head about 10 times and then held her down on a bed and punched her in the face. She told police she lost consciousness at one point during the beating. Police noted that the girl had red marks on her face and neck and a lump on the back of her head.

Andrea Johnson

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Military appreciation event planned at base Saturday

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE Aaron’s in Minot is the main sponsor and host of a military appreciation event being planned for Saturday, July 16, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Bud Ebert Park at Minot Air Force Base.

Minot AFB Housing and many Minot businesses are also sponsors for the event.

This is the second annual military appreciation event sponsored by Aaron’s, Minot AFB Housing and numerous other local businesses.

Food including hamburgers, hotdogs, cookies and beverages will be provided. Numerous prizes will be awarded.

Organizers said the event is being done to show the community’s support and appreciation for the military.

It is open to all military and military retirees and their families. Those attending must have base access.

Eloise Ogden

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Williston to redraft crew camp shutdown ordinance

WILLISTON (AP) – Williston commissioners have decided to draft a new ordinance eliminating oil field crew camps in city limits.

Judge Daniel Hovland last month issued a preliminary injunction preventing Williston from enforcing a July 1 shut-down deadline. His decision was based on a possible technical error by the City Commission when the group voted to approve the date.

The commission has voted to draft a new ordinance, on the advice of City Attorney Jordon Evert. Mayor Howard Klug says an official closure date should be in place by August.

Oil industry officials say temporary housing is still needed despite the oil slump. But city officials maintain the construction of new apartments and hotels has caught up with population growth. Lawsuits are ongoing in federal and state court.

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Powerball ticket sold in Bismarck worth $150,000

BISMARCK (AP) – A Powerball ticket sold in Bismarck is worth $150,000 in the latest drawing.

State lottery officials say the ticket matched four white balls and the Powerball in Wednesday’s drawing to win the game’s $50,000 third prize, and an option that was purchased tripled the amount.

The winning numbers were 3, 15, 29, 54 and 57, and the Powerball was 10. The odds of winning the third prize in Powerball are 1 in about 913,000.

The winner has about six months to claim the prize.

Powerball is played in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The jackpot is at $333 million for the next drawing, on Saturday.

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Minot man accused of choking girlfriend

A pretrial conference is scheduled for Oct. 26 for a 24-year-old Minot man who is accused of choking his girlfriend during an argument on June 3.

Christopher Kavicka Macaulay is charged with aggravated assault-domestic violence, a Class C felony. He was scheduled to be in North Central District Court for a hearing on Thursday.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, Macaulay’s girlfriend called police to report the alleged assault at a northwest Minot address. The responding officer wrote that the woman had three marks on the right side of her neck and one mark on the left side. She claimed Macaulay had choked her until she couldn’t breathe.

Macaulay told police that his girlfriend had marks on her neck due to consensual sexual activity. He later said that he “did what he did” because he was trying to get away from his girlfriend, who was scratching him during their argument. He refused to give police a taped statement and wouldn’t allow them to take pictures of his scratches. He told the responding officer, “I don’t want to get her in trouble. I’m just going to leave her.”

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

Andrea Johnson

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Parshall man facing charges for discharging weapon

STANLEY A 44-year-old Parshall man was scheduled to make an initial appearance in North Central District Court in Stanley on Thursday on a charge that he fired a gun into the air in his apartment to scare two other men away during a fight on June 4.

Kevin Turner is charged with reckless endangerment/extreme indifference, a Class C felony, and discharge of a firearm within the city, a Class B misdemeanor.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, a Mountrail County deputy was called to the Wrangler Cafe Teachers Housing in Parshall on June 4 for a report of a fight with a gun involved. The deputy wrote that he found a spent 12 gauge shotgun shell on the ground outside Turner’s apartment. Turner allegedly told the deputy that he fired the shotgun in the air once to scare away Plez Steele and Neil Packineau. The deputy wrote that he smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Turner.

According to past media reports in The Bismarck Tribune, the Parshall school board allowed a Kevin Turner, the business and technology teacher at Parshall High School, to resign rather than be fired in May. He had reportedly been placed on leave in March for making sexual comments to students and staff.

Andrea Johnson

Briefly

Drug dealer sentenced

A 24-year-old South Carolina man will serve about five years in prison for delivering drugs within 1,000 feet of a school in January and February and for failure to register as a sex offender.

According to court records, Derrick Santell Brown Jr., of Ravenel, S.C., pleaded guilty to the charge on Wednesday in North Central District Court.

Brown was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with a requirement that he first serve five years, and three years of probation for delivering heroin to a criminal informant working for the Ward County Narcotics Task Force within 1,000 feet of Minot High School-Central Campus last January. He pleaded guilty to a second count of delivering drugs within 1,000 feet of a school in February and was sentenced to 10 years, with a requirement that he serve five, and three years of supervised probation. Judge Gary Lee also sentenced him to five years in prison for failure to register as a sex offender, with a requirement that he first serve four years. Brown will be on supervised probation for three years. All the sentences will be served concurrently. Brown will receive credit for 108 days already served.

One count of delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, a Class AA felony, and one count of delivery of a controlled substance, a Class A felony, were dismissed against Brown.

He could have faced up to life in prison without parole.

Andrea Johnson

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MSU hosting luau party

Minot State University invites alumni and friends to a luau party at the North Dakota State Fair on July 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will be in the outdoor area of the Flickertail Gardens, and admission is free.

The MSU luau provides the venue for Minot State supporters to rekindle old friendships and create new memories. Fargo’s Boomtown, a country-rock band, will begin playing at 6 p.m. There will also be drink specials and prizes.

“The luau is the perfect occasion to bring MSU alumni and friends together to have a great time,” said Janna McKechnie, director of alumni relations and annual giving, in a press release. “We hope everyone comes to enjoy the summer evening with us again.”

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ND storms affect farmers, homeowners, motorists

BISMARCK (AP) – Recent storms that dropped heavy rain and hail across North Dakota have caused headaches for motorists, farmers and homeowners.

Weekend storms caused widespread crop and building damage in the Killdeer area, where hail piled up like snowbanks. Wahpeton got about 5 inches of rain in 90 minutes, leading to street flooding and trapping at least one motorist.

Carmen Paquin told The Daily News that she hit high water while driving on a Wahpeton street early Sunday, and her car died when water went over the hood. She was uninjured but spent three hours stranded in the car.

“I turned on the light and saw water coming in,” she said. “Every time I turned on the light it was getting deeper in the car. I swore I could feel the car floating.”

Bismarck insurance agent Shane Splonskowski said his office has more than 1,300 hail damage claims this year, with many resulting from storms this month, and that some contractors have warned that they might not be able to assist until the spring.

Heavy rainfall in northern North Dakota has put some pea and bean crops in jeopardy. Sherwood-area farmer David Deslauriers said about 10 percent of his crops have been washed out, and the problems don’t end there.

“One of the biggest problems is we can’t get out here and spray (for weeds) if we need to, so we have to hire a plane, but that’s an extra cost you really don’t figure in every year,” he said.

All the water also might lead to “phenomenal” crop disease problems, according to Renville County Extension Agent LoAyne Voigt. Crops that remain wet for long periods of time are susceptible to fungal diseases such as scab.

Briefly

Marketplace Foods plans 50-foot caramel roll

Marketplace Foods in Minot advertises it has the “finest caramel rolls.” Now the grocery stores are going for another feat a 50-foot caramel roll.

Friday morning, the Marketplace Foods store on North Hill expects to have a 50-foot caramel roll made of individual caramel rolls on display by about 7 a.m.

Peggy Kallias, North Hill Marketplace Foods’ bakery manager, said they like to be involved with the public and the community, and projects like the 50-foot caramel roll creates excitement.

Brian Pignet, also bakery manager for the North Hill store, said bakery staff will be starting to bake the individual caramel rolls about 3 a.m. Friday and then assemble the display.

The individual caramel rolls from the 50-foot display will be sold to customers.

On Saturday, Marketplace Foods at 1930 South Broadway will also be baking and assembling a 50-foot caramel roll. The display will be ready for viewing by about 7 a.m., and the individual rolls will also be sold.

“It’s fun for everyone,” Kallias said of Marketplace Foods’ major caramel roll projects.

For the Fourth of July, Marketplace Foods stores in Minot made red, white and blue cupcakes to form into a 6-foot long U.S. flag and then sold the individual cupcakes.

Eloise Ogden

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Success Saturday to feature Clint Severson

The Success Depot will be hosting Success Saturday with keynote speaker Clint Severson Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Severson, the 2007 Forbes Entrepreneur of the Year and a 1973 alumnus of then Minot State College, is chairman of the board, CEO and president of Abaxis, a medical device company based in northern California. The Minot native created the Severson Entrepreneurship Academy at Minot State University to promote entrepreneurship and build better business leaders for the present and future of Minot and the surrounding communities.

Guest speaker Devon Wold of Minot was the first scholarship recipient of the Severson Entrepreneurship Academy. He won the initial business plan competition at MSU, which propelled him to early success in his professional career. He has owned and operated construction and lawn care companies for seven years and recently purchased ASK Fitness.

The public is invited to the presentations and a tour of the new Success Depot, located in the former Wells Fargo building at 15 2nd Ave. SW. There will be pizza and membership discounts to Success Depot’s unique business facility concept.

For more information, visit successdepot.com or www.facebook.com/successdepot.

Briefly

Top Corps official cancels Minot visit

A visit to Minot by Jo-Ellen Darcy, assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, has been canceled due to an unforeseen personal issue, according to the Corps of Engineers.

Darcy had planned to meet Monday with local leaders to better understand the Corps’ involvement within the Souris River Basin and learn more about the recovery efforts since the 2011 flood. There are currently no plans to reschedule the meeting.

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Man to serve almost two years for two offenses

A Surrey man will serve nearly two years in prison for kicking and damaging the passenger side door of a Surrey Police Department patrol car while he was waiting to be booked into the Ward County Jail in March and for failure to register as a sex offender this month.

Marty Allen Gefroh, 51, Surrey, pleaded guilty to the two Class C felony charges on Friday in North Central District Court in Minot, according to court records.

Judge Todd Creasp sentenced Gefroh to 720 days in the Ward County Jail on the criminal mischief charge, with credit for 60 days served, and $525 in fines. Cresap sentenced Gefroh to 668 days in jail on the the charge of failure to register as a sex offender, along with $1,100 in court costs. The sentences will run concurrently.

He will also be on supervised probation for one year and will be required to pay $1,100 in court costs.

Andrea Johnson

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ND Early Intervention holds family day

North Dakota Early Intervention is celebrating the positive impact early intervention has made in the lives of thousands of infants and toddlers across the state by holding a series of events across the state.

A variety of family activities will be conducted Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Radio City Park splashpad shelter in Minot.

Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which authorized special education, is 30 years old this year.

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Hot dog lovers celebrate National Hot Dog Day with United Way

Souris Valley United Way partnering with Harry’s Tire Service and Dakota Truck and Farm to celebrate National Hot Dog Dayz July 14-15 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. at Harry’s Tire location 1604 20th Ave SE in Minot. Fans of the hotdog, big or small can enjoy a free dog. Harry’s will be grilling and United Way volunteers will be serving.

Coordinator Bonnie Burgardt passionately explains, “Both Harry’s Tire and United Way have been a staple in the Minot area for over 70 plus years and this is a great and savory way to tell our friends and neighbors Thank You as well as serve a good cause.” Donations are very much welcome and all proceeds raised from the event will go to the deserving local United Way as they continue their work serving the community.

Briefly

Man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of young girl

BOTTINEAU A 58-year-old Kramer man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to sexually abusing a little girl when she was between ages 4 and 6.

Michael Ross Knoke was charged with Class A felony gross sexual imposition, a charge that carries a maximum 20 year sentence. He molested the girl between January 2013 and September 2015, according to court documents.

Northeast District Court Judge John C. McClintock Jr. ordered a pre-sentence investigation Wednesday, according to the clerk of district court.

Andrea Johnson

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Cramer’s staff to hold mobile office hours in area

Congressman Kevin Cramer’s staff will be holding mobile office hours in Killdeer and Watford City on Tuesday, July 19.

Staff will be at the Killdeer City hall from 11 a.m.-noon and at the McKenzie County Public Library in Watford City from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Mobile Office Hours allow constituents to receive assistance with casework from Cramer’s staff without having to visit his district offices.

Constituents are encouraged to stop by one of the following mobile office hours locations for help regarding issues with the Veterans Administration, Social Security benefits or disabilities, Medicare billing problems, immigration issues, military records or medals, or for assistance with any federal agency.

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Free music, admission to Interpretive Center

A free outdoor concert will be held at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center near Washburn, Friday, July 15. On stage will be the Frog Holler String Band, along with area favorite Cotton Wood and award winning singer/songwriter Greg Hager. Musical entertainment begins at 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by a gift from Great River Energy.

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department along with the Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation are presenting the event which is designed to be a family-friendly summer evening. There will be inflatable games for the kids and concessions on the grounds. Prior to the concert, guests are invited to visit the Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan free of charge as part of the Interpretive Center’s Visitor Appreciation Day. It is recommended you bring a blanket or lawn chair for the concert. Coolers are welcome.

Briefly

Norris hits hole-in-one at Painted Woods Golf Course

Roger Norris completed a hole-in-one on Tuesday at Painted Woods Golf Course in Washburn. Norris used a 9-wood, and hit the 133-yard shot on Hole-8. Witnesses were Clint Lowe and Rich Conley.

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Vistas contests with Williston rained out

The Minot Vistas doubleheader with Williston on Wednesday in Williston was postponed due to poor weather conditions. A makeup date has not been announced. The Vistas host Aberdeen in a doubleheader at 5:30 p.m. at Corbett Field in Minot.

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Garrison Airport Authority receives federal grant for maintenance

GARRISON The Garrison Municipal Airport Authority has been awarded a federal grant of $58,210 for airport maintenance, according to Sens. Heidi Heitkamp, D-ND, and John Hoeven, R-ND.

The grant will support repairs to the aviation apron, taxiway, and provide lighting systems for better aircraft safety during takeoffs and landings.

The federal grant comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration. The Carrington Municipal Airport Authority also received $208,800 to support the repair and maintenance of the aviation apron, runway, and taxiway of the airport.

North Dakota panel approves proposed $250 million wind farm

BISMARCK (AP) – North Dakota’s Public Service Commission has approved a $250 million wind farm and associated electric transmission facilities in Hettinger and Stark counties.

The three-member panel on Wednesday unanimously approved the project’s siting application, clearing the way for construction to start.

Brady Wind LLC is planning the wind farm of up to 72 turbines and associated facilities. It would produce up to 100 megawatts of power.

All wind turbines are proposed to be located in Hettinger County. Facilities located in Stark County include underground electrical collection systems and cables.

Mandan officials

say fireworks ban

helped keep parks clean

MANDAN (AP) – Mandan officials say a ban on fireworks at city parks helped keep parks clean over the Fourth of July weekend.

The Mandan Park Board approved the ban earlier this year following complaints about trash and spooked horses from the Mandan Rodeo Committee.

Mandan Police Lt. Pat Haug says officers issued at least seven $75 fines for shooting fireworks off in the parks over the weekend.

Mandan Parks and Recreation Director Cole Higlin says the new ban did help keep parks clean. He says in past years, workers spent two weeks cleaning up fireworks debris from the parks.

UND getting grants for health care scholarships

BISMARCK (AP) – The University of North Dakota is getting $640,000 to provide scholarships to disadvantaged students pursing degrees in health care, nursing and other health professions.

North Dakota’s congressional delegation says the money comes from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.

Officials say North Dakota will have 4,430 registered nurse openings by 2020.

Woman accused of bilking investors asks for delay

BISMARCK (AP) – A woman accused of bilking investors in a North Dakota oil patch trucking firm is asking for another delay in her trial.

Sarah Creveling was originally scheduled to go on trial Feb. 23 in Bismarck on charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering. The trial was delayed first to allow Creveling to testify in her ex-husband’s murder trial and again to allow her to consider a plea deal.

James Henrikson, Creveling’s one-time husband and business partner, was convicted on murder-for-hire charges involving the deaths of two former oil patch associates. Henrikson was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life in prison.

Creveling says another delay is needed in her proceedings because she has a new lawyer.

Briefly

MSU gets federal grant

Minot State University will receive a $155,703 grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.

The grant will support efforts to streamline data entry and ensure patients receive needed follow-up health care services, according to the office of Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.

“Duplicate data entry can cost both patients and healthcare providers time and money,” Hoeven said in a press release. “Today’s grant will help Minot State develop solutions to reduce duplicative data entry and streamline recommendations for follow-up services like screenings and early interventions.”

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Kids can read to zoo animals

Read-a-Roo Around the Zoo is an event that will give kids an opportunity to read to their favorite animal at Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot.

Renee Escherich, zoo education coordinator, said kids can bring their own book to read to a zoo animal.

Read-a-Roo is being held Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the summer. The program starts next week.

Kids who take part in the program will save 50 cents on admission to the zoo.

Eloise Ogden

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Two dead in Dunseith

Two people were killed late Tuesday afternoon approximately six miles east of Dunseith on U.S. Highway 281 when their vehicle was struck from behind. Dead at the scene were the driver of a 2006 Ford Taurus, 43-year-old Dwight Azure, Belcourt; and a passenger, 44-year-old Heidi Azure, Rolla.

According to a North Dakota Highway Patrol report, the Taurus was eastbound and slowing to turn when rear-ended by a 2007 Dodge Ram driven by Lyle Beston, 47, Dunseith. Beston was arrested for driving under the influence. Further charges are pending.

Beston and two passengers in the Beston vehicle, 43-year-old Terrence Beston, Dunseith; and 47-year-old Clarence Norquay, Belcourt, received undetermined injuries in the accident.

Briefly

First Tioga

Film Festival

set for Aug. 6

Lostwood Media, in conjunction with Paul Brenno, will present the first Tioga Film Festival in Tioga on Aug. 6.

The event is co-sponsored by the Tioga Economic Development Corp. and Tioga Chamber of Commerce.

All filmmakers from the United States are eligible to participate, and there are no limits to submissions. Films must have been produced since January 2015. Deadline submission is July 25. Winners will be announced and notified no later than Aug. 1.

Winners will be chosen in the categories of best feature narrative, best short documentary, best feature documentary, best short narrative, best music video. Submission information can be found at lostwoodmedia.com/filmfestival.

The film festival is part of a weekend event in Tioga that includes sidewalk sales and a drone camp. Selected and winning films will be shown at the Tioga Movie Theater from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Films will be free to view.

Fargo policeman arrested for drunken driving in Minnesota

FARGO (AP) – A Fargo police officer is accused of drunken driving in Minnesota.

Clay County Sheriff Bill Bergquist said that Wes Libner was arrested shortly after 5 a.m. Saturday on Highway 10 near Hawley, Minnesota.

The sheriff says Libner was stopped by a deputy after a complaint was called in to the Red River Dispatch Center.

Libner is a school resource officer at Fargo South High School.

Fargo Deputy Chief Joe Anderson says Libner is still on the job and has not been placed on administrative leave. Anderson says the department is still investigating the allegations.

Large sinkhole opens at busy Fargo intersection

FARGO (AP) – A large sinkhole has opened at a busy Fargo intersection.

A driver called 911 about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday to report the sinkhole in the road at the intersection of 42nd Street and 9th Avenue South.

Police used their squad cars to barricade the street and re-direct traffic around the sinkhole until street barriers could be put up.

The hole is about 8 feet wide by 10 feet long and varies in depth.

Public Works Supervisor Lee Anderson says it appears the street collapse was the result of a problem with a large sewer pipe.

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