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Petersen acquitted of terrorizing
A 46-year-old Minot man was acquitted by a jury Wednesday of terrorizing a woman in September 2015.
Paul Alan Petersen had been accused of brandishing a handgun after the woman called 911 during an altercation.
He could have faced up to five years in prison had he been convicted.
Andrea Johnson
Stewart accused of dealing cocaine, meth
A 25-year-old Minot man is facing two Class A felonies for allegedly dealing cocaine and methamphetamine in Minot on Feb. 10.
According to court documents, Steven Dolorenzo Stewart sold the drugs to a criminal informant working for the Ward County Narcotics Task Force.
Stewart was charged last month with a third Class A felony for delivery of a controlled substance on Feb. 2.
If convicted of all three charges, Stewart could face up to 60 years in prison.
A preliminary hearing on the latest charges is scheduled for Nov. 3 in North Central District Court.
Andrea Johson
Two people accused of trespassing
Two people are accused of trespassing at a house at 308 5th Avenue NW on Sept. 21.
According to court documents, Christopher Kevin Nielsen, 37, and Lydia Claire Tillman, 32, had been evicted from the house and were told not to return. Both were charged with criminal trespass, a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Tillman was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine in a jail facility after she was searched at the jail and a corrections officer allegedly found meth. That charge is a Class B felony that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
A preliminary hearing for both is scheduled for Oct. 27 in North Central District Court.
Andrea Johnson
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Tribes receive funds to reduce crime
Indian tribes in North Dakota have received a total of more than $5 million in federal funds to support criminal justice efforts in Indian Country, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp and Congressman Kevin Cramer announced Tuesday.
Area tribes and funds awarded for programs to reduce crime are as follows:
– Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians: more than $2.7 million.
– Three Affiliated Tribes: $449,994.
– Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe: $345,300.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe also received more than $1.4 million.
The federal grants to address crime, juvenile justice and violence against women are made available to the tribes from the U.S. Department of Justice through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation program that works to comprehensively address crime and public safety.
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Renaissance plan heads to council
A proposal to extend a tax incentive program designed to encourage redevelopment will go to the Minot City Council Monday.
Minot’s Renaissance Zone program will end Nov. 7 unless extended. The city’s Renaissance Zone Advisory Committee is proposing a five-year extension that would continue to allow property owners who make significant structural improvements to receive five-year property tax and state income tax exemptions on those improvements.
If approved by the council, the extension request will go to the state for its approval.
The tax breaks are available on properties within the Renaissance Zone’s 23 blocks, largely clustered around the downtown. An extension also would allow for future designation of 11 additional blocks. The advisory committee hopes to add downtown blocks containing Trinity Health properties to the zone when the hospital relocates.
Jill Schramm
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Tribal colleges awarded grants
Area tribal colleges have received federal grants to spur economic development in Indian Country and further education that will support Native American communities.
Sen. Heidi Heitkamp announced the grants this week.
The following federal grants were made available through the Tribal College Initiative Grant Program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
– Candeska Cikana Community College, Fort Totten: $143,000 to construct a cultural center.
– Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, New Town: $143,000 to make physical improvements on campus.
– Turtle Mountain Community College, Belcourt: $143,000 to upgrade facilities.
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians were awarded $103,994 for entrepreneurship training and technical support for a local food initiative. The grant was made available through the Rural Business Development Grant Program authorized under USDA.
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Students can enter scholarship contests
The Minot Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary announces two youth scholarship contests.
This year’s Voice of Democracy essay competition theme asks students in Grades 9-12 to explain “My Responsibility to America.” The competition requires the student to record a 3-5 minute speech on an audio CD or standard cassette tape. Entries will be judged on the local and district levels and the first-place district winner will go to the state competition. Each student will submit a typed and recorded tape to the local chairman. The state winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C., for a chance at a $30,000 scholarship or other scholarship money.
The Patriot’s Pen essay competition is open to students in Grades 6-8. This year students are asked to reflect on the statement, “The America I Believe In.” The first-place national award is currently $5,000 plus an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the winner and a parent or guardian. Prizes are also awarded on the local, district and state levels.
The two competitions are open to students who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial school or home study program. The deadline for information to the local chairman is Nov. 1.
Artistic students can enter the VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art competition for students in Grades 9-12. Home-schooled students are eligible for the competition, foreign-exchange students are not. The deadline for art to the local chairman is March 31, 2017.
Local contacts are Adeline Guy at 839-3344 or Geri Bauer at 839-2927 or visit the VFW website for more information.
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One lane of Highway 83 to close for paving, lake drawdown
RIVERDALE One lane of U.S. Highway 83, crossing Lake Audubon, closed Tuesday and will remain closed for about three weeks.
The lane closure will support a paving project as well as the annual fall drawdown of Lake Audubon. The gates to allow drawdown are accessed via the shoulder of the highway.
Crews will be repaving the highway to match the pavement with the elevation of the temporary covers at the gatewell structure until permanent repairs to the gatewell covers are completed in the spring of 2017.
Boaters, cabin owners and recreation users should take proper precautions regarding changing lake levels to include removing watercraft and equipment before the water recedes.
By Oct. 19, the water level for Lake Audubon will decline about 1.3 feet to 1845 mean sea level, completing the fall drawdown. The elevation of Lake Audubon on Tuesday was 1846.30 msl.
Annual fall drawdown operations are conducted on Lake Audubon to provide for water freshening to improve water quality; to coincide with the southerly migration of waterfowl and shorebirds, providing exposed shoreline areas for feeding and loafing; and to reduce wave erosion of islands in the fall and ice damage during the winter and spring due to ice heave and breakup.
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Leadership summit scheduled for young professionals
Young professionals will come together Oct. 20 to participate in the Minot Leadership Summit, a free event meant to equip and inspire them to make an impact on and chart the course of the community.
Under the theme of Educate, Inspire, and Act, the Minot Leadership Summit will feature sessions such as developing a personal mission, exercising leadership and leading without a title. A panel session exploring Minot’s most-pressing community issues also will be featured, along with a community visioning session.
A keynote address will be given by Greg Tehven, co-founder of Emerging Prairie, a Fargo-based company aimed at helping startups and entrepreneurs.
The Minot Leadership Summit is meant to be an inclusive event for people younger than 40 representing all professions in the community.
“The Minot Leadership Summit will be a great opportunity for young people in the community to come together to invest in their future,” said Kevin Black, summit co-chair. “Because we want to have a great cross-section of the community represented, we are encouraging people in all business sectors to attend.”
Supported by the Bush Foundation, the Minot Leadership Summit is geared toward those interested in future leadership roles.
“The Minot Leadership Summit is unique in that creating actionable and measurable outcomes, both for individuals and city-wide, will be the goal of the event,” said Megan Laudenschlager, summit co-chair.
The Minot Leadership Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the North Dakota State Fair Center. There is no cost but attendees should RSVP by Oct. 13. More information, including how to RSVP, can be found at Facebook.com/MinotLeadershipSummit.
Midco Foundation Awards $100,000
to groups in
30 communities
Five Minot organizations are among 65 nonprofits, schools and government organizations in three states to receive grant awards from the Midco Foundation, the charitable arm of the Midco family of companies.
The foundation awarded $100,000 in grants in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Local organizations receiving assistance are YWCA of Minot, $1,700; Independence, Inc., $1,600; Minot Literacy Volunteers, $1,000; and Trinity Health Foundation, $1,500.
Other area organizations receiving grants included the Rolette County Public Health District in Rolla, $1,000; Rolla Volunteer Fire Department, $2,000; James Memorial Preservation Society, Williston, $1,000; and Williston Salvation Army, $1,500.
The Midco Foundation encourages nonprofit organizations in the communities it serves to apply for future grants for special projects, facilities improvements, equipment and programs. Requirements, criteria and an application are available at Midco.com/Foundation. Applications for the spring 2017 grant cycle will open on Oct. 1 and will be accepted through Jan. 10.
NDDA honors
Dr. Dennis Sommers
BISMARCK Dr. Dennis Sommers of Minot received recognition from the North Dakota Dental Association as its 2016 Guest of Honor during its annual session held in Bismarck, Sept. 15-17.
Sommers attended Wichita State University before receiving his dental and orthodontic degrees from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry. After graduation, he began orthodontic practice in Minot in 1977 and was joined in practice by Dr. Tyler Prestwich in 2015.
Sommers served as president of the Minot and Northwest District Dental Societies before becoming president of the North Dakota Dental Association in 2009. He subsequently served as the NDDA’s first treasurer and as its Political Action Committee chair for many years in addition to volunteering over 30 years with Minot’s Cleft Palate Team and during dental Mission of Mercy projects in North Dakota and Western Minnesota. Sommers similary served as president of the North Dakota Society of Orthodontists, N.D. director to the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists and on the American Association of Orthodontists’ Council on Membership, Ethics and Judicial Concerns, occasionally lecturing to N.D. groups on the subject of Dental Ethics. He is a member of the International College of Dentists and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. The Midwestern Society of Orthodontists has selected Sommers to receive its 2017 Earl Shepard Distinguished Service Award during its annual session in New Orleans in 2017.
Sommers is a member of the Minot Lions Club and has also performed with the Minot Symphony Orchestra as a violinist during 39 seasons.
Dennis and his wife, Rita, the executive director of North Dakota’s Board of Dental Examiners, have participated in numerous other dental activities. They have four children and three grandchildren.
Two Minot area Lions named to District 5NW Cabinet
Two Minot area Lions Club members, one from Minot and one from Glenburn, are among the 33 District 5NW Cabinet members recently appointed by 5NW District Governor Mark Koller of New England.
Minot Lion Tricia Nechodom serves as Hearing Preservation, Awareness and Action chair, while Glenburn Lion Ginney Jones is Zone 2A chair. As Zone chair, Ginney serves as a communications link and provides leadership guidance to Lions Clubs in Berthold, Glenburn, Kenmare, Lake Metigoshe, Minot, Sawyer and Stanley.
Cabinet members will serve until July 1, 2017. Lions District 5NW, composed of the western half of North Dakota, includes 1,246 Lions members in 45 clubs.
Farm Rescue marks milestone with 400th farm aid case
BISMARCK (AP) – North Dakota farmer Tim McLean received a special gift on his 54th birthday Tuesday – volunteers came from as far as Texas and Kentucky to help his family harvest soybeans.
The work also marked a milestone for the Farm Rescue organization – the 400th aid case for the Northern Plains nonprofit.
It meant a lot for McLean, who grows corn and soybeans on his 2,000-acre farm near Wheatland. His wife, Kari, is battling breast cancer and bone cancer and his father, Ron, is recovering from a broken leg.
“My wife worked in the field side by side with me, and my dad would run the combine,” he said, adding that his wife of 34 years is now in a wheelchair and his father can no longer operate farm machinery. “It’s very overwhelming the amount of support that I’ve gotten. It’s quite the birthday present.”
Farm Rescue does crop seeding, crop harvesting and haying for farmers in need like McLean. It relies on a base of volunteers that has grown to about 1,000 people from around the country.
North Dakota farm boy and UPS pilot Bill Gross launched the organization in his home state in 2005. It’s since expanded to South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Montana. Gross told The Associated Press recently that he’d like to widen Farm Rescue’s geographic reach even more in a year or two, and possibly also start helping livestock ranchers, if the nonprofit can boost its annual budget from $750,000 to $1 million. The money comes mainly from donations.
“I always think of Farm Rescue as a patriotic and altruistic mission,” Gross said. “It’s where our country started – it’s helping farm families, rural families, people producing food for the entire nation and the world.”
Florida man charged in triple-fatal crash in North Dakota
CROSBY (AP) – A Florida man is facing three felony manslaughter charges in a crash in North Dakota’s oil patch that killed two children and their father.
Forty-nine-year-old William Koehler, of Chiefland, Florida, could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted. The Associated Press requested comment from his attorney.
Koehler is accused of speeding and using his cellphone moments before rear-ending a car that was stopped for a flagger at a construction zone in Divide County on Aug. 23.
The crash killed 2-year-old Shayleigh Gunderson, 8-year-old Shelly Gunderson and their father, 31-year-old Lesley Gunderson. The family lived in Noonan.
BRIEFLY
Third quarter dooms MSU football
By Daily News Staff
FAYETTE, Iowa The start of Saturday’s road game at Upper Iowa couldn’t have gone much better for the Minot State Beavers.
Jarvis Mustipher scored on a 14-yard run on the Beavers’ second possession of the game. However, that would be all the scoring the Beavers would get.
Upper Iowa took advantage of missed opportunities by MSU and scored 21 points in the third quarter en route to a 35-7 win in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference football action.
“The third quarter was really bad football all the way around,” MSU head coach Tyler Hughes said in a press release. “They made the big plays and it changed the game. Through the first half, we did some good things, but left some opportunities on the table and in the third quarter they got after us. They made the big plays and we didn’t.”
The Beavers were able to move the ball throughout much of the game, finishing with 381 yards of total offense. MSU, however, was unable to finish off drives.
“”We had some red zone opportunities and came away with nothing and missed a couple field goals and we had a couple dropped interceptions on defense,” Hughes said. “Those compound over the course of the game. But with that being said, we could have coached better, put our guys in better positions.”
The Peacocks tied the game later in the opening quarter. The score was set up by a MSU fumble. The Peacocks also added a touchdown in the second quarter to take a 14-7 lead into intermission.
“”We had a solid week in practice and I thought we were ready to go,” Hughes said. “We played well early on, but couldn’t carry that over to the second half.”
MSU quarterback Isaiah Weed finished with 226 yards of passing in the loss.
“We wanted to come out with multiple looks, different concepts and be as multiple as we could to keep them from figuring us out on offense,” Hughes said. “On defense, we worked on gap control, getting into good formation and have good pursuit. For the most part we did that in the first quarter.”
The Beavers (1-3) will play at Northern State next Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
MSU volleyball swept at home
Fifth-ranked Southwest Minnesota State University rolled to a three-game sweep of Minot State in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Saturday afternoon at the Minot State Dome.
SMSU won 25-10, 25-20, 25-14 en route to handing the Beavers their straight loss.
“We came out in set two and changed the line up a little bit,” MSU head coach Ben Kaszeta said in a press release. “We were fired up and played harder as well. In game three we played hard too, they just took advantage of us in a few spots.”
The Mustangs were led by Taylor Reiss, who finishd with 16 kills in the match.
MSU was paced by freshmen Shelby Spuller and Shae Pedersen, who each had five kills.
MSU also got 14 assists from senior Janelle Nagy and 13 assists from senior Cindy Pelo.
“They are our rock for us,” Kaszeta said. “Cindy is a huge rock for us, the way she carries herself and show us how to work hard all the time. It’s super important for the team to see that and learn how to match it.”
MSU (5-9, 0-5) will play at Wayne State and Augustana next weekend.
Beavers tied for sixth at Mustang Invitational
MARSHALL, Minn. Minot State freshman golfer Katherine McGlenen carded a 8-over par 80 to lead the Beavers to a tie for sixth at the Southwest Minnesota State Invite Saturday afternoon at the Marshall Golf Club.
As a team, the Beavers shot a 335 in the opening round, tying with MSU-Moorhead and St. Cloud State for sixth.
“The team never seemed to get a handle on the pace of the greens,” MSU women’s golf coach Spencer Hilde said. “We’ll look to eliminate the three putts and double bogeys (Sunday) and have a better day.”
McGlenen is all alone in 14th with her 90. She trails leader Mikaela Theobold, of Sioux Falls, by six strokes. McGlenden is just two strokes out of the top 10.
“Katie played well today,” Hilde said. “She took a triple bogey, but didn’t let it get her down and turned in a solid score for the day.”
MSU runners finish 32nd 38th at Griak Inviational
MINNEAPOLIS The Minot State women’s cross country team finished 32nd out of 40 teams at Saturday’s Roy Griak Cross Country Invitational at the Les Bolstad Golf Course.
“It was a really tough race,” said MSU head coach Stu Melby in a press release. “Almost two inches of rain fell Wednesday night and Thursday morning and there was a big rain Friday afternoon. It made it very muddy and slick. Several people wiped out and had to drop out.”
Junior Jana Warrick paces MSU with a time of 25 minutes, 20.1 seconds. Emily Westlake was MSU’s second runner to cross the finish line, posting a time of 26:09.
Joel Cartwright was the first MSU runner to cross the line in the men’s race, finishing in 29:00.
Julio Romero posted a time of 31:13 for the Beavers.
MHS cross country takes second and ninth at Milaca Mega Meet
MILACA, Minn. – The Minot High School cross country teams both placed in the top 10 of the Milaca Mega Meet held Saturday morning at the Stone’s Throw Golf Course in Milaca.
Against teams from across the Midwest, the MHS girls took second place with a team score of 114 and the boys placed ninth (234) in their varsity 4A division.
The Majettes had four finishers inside the top 20. Freshman Allie Wahlund led the way with a fifth place finish (19:43.89) with freshmen teammates Abigail Hoffarth (ninth, 19:55.85), Allie Nelson (15th, 20:10.89) and Abbie Wahlund (17th, 20:13.35) close behind. Ella Francis rounded out the Majettes team score by finishing 73rd, but scoring 68 points.
Prior Lake (Minn.) won with a score of 83 and their freshman Mallory Stach crossed the finish line first with a time of 19:02.19.
In the boys race, Stillwater (Minn.) posted a 79 to claim the team victory and Alex Miley from Maple Grove (Minn.) won the race with a time of 15:53.07.
The Magi’s ninth place finish was anchored by senior Gabe Hegstad (26th, 17:06.78) and junior Austin Folk (29th, 17:09.70). The rest of the team score was made up of Ethan Behm (44th, 17:25.95), Keston Van Dusen (49th, 17:32.23) and Zach Ennis (90th, 18:13.28).
MHS has one more regular season meet next Saturday (Oct. 1) at the Souris Valley Golf Course in Minot.
Minot volleyball places sixth in Gold Division at Dickinson Invite
DICKINSON The Minot High volleyball team wrapped up the two-day Dickinson Invitational losing three of four matches on Saturday.
The Majettes lost to Bismarck to open the day in straight sets, losing 25-16 and 25-17. The Majettes also lost to Skyview High, out of Billings, Mont., in straight sets 25-14, 25-12.
Minot’s lone win of the day came in the third match, as it beat Billings Central 25-18, 25-22.
The Majettes closed out the day with a 25-11 and 25-18 loss to Our Redeemer’s Christian School in the consolation championship. Minot finished sixth in the Gold Bracket.
Senior Hailee Salander finished with 19 kills on the day for Minot. The Majettes also got 40 assists and 23 digs from senior Riley Irmen.
The Majettes will host Turtle Mountain Community High School on Tuesday.
Magi tops Century in tennis
The Minot High boys tennis team closed out the regular season Saturday with a 6-3 win over Century in a match at Hammond Park.
The Magi will be the No. 3 seed in next week’s West Region tournament to be held at Hammond Park.
“The middle of our lineup all got singles wins for the second consecutive match,” Minot coach Scott DeLorme said. “And they seem to be playing their best tennis of the year. Mason Diehl won in straight sets to cap an undefeated conference season for him at number 5. It has been nice seeing the improvement in our singles play over the last couple weeks as that will be a major asset if we can carry it over into next weekend.”
The team portion of the region meet will be Thursday, while the individual portion will be played Friday and Saturday.
Our Redeeemer’s volleyball places fourth at Dickinson Invite
DICKINSON – The Our Redeemer’s Chrfistian Volleyball team finished fourth at Saturday’s Dickinson Invitational.
The Knights went 3-0 in pool play, beating Sidney, Mont., Hettinger and Bismarck St. Mary’s.
ORCS lost to Bismarck Legacy, but bounced back with wins over Dickinson and Minot to claim the consolation championship.
“We had another great tournament in Dickinson this weekend,” ORCS coach Kara Nunziato said. “The team played well from start to finish. Our blocking and defensive plays allowed our offense to shine. Competition from this tournament has really helped us see what we are made of.”
Senior Morgan Olson paced ORCS in the tournament with 84 assists and 52 kills. Senior Lauren Hendrickson added 63 digs.
The Lions will host Bishop Ryan on Tuesday.
Follow the Minot Daily Sports on Twitter @MDN_Sports.
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Des Lacs River advisory rescinded
The North Dakota Department of Health and Agriculture, Animal Health Division, have rescinded the blue-green algae advisory previously issued for the Des Lacs River, located northwest of Minot in Ward County, that was due to high levels of microcystin in the water.
Microcystin is a cyanotoxin caused by blue-green algae. When present in water, cyanotoxins are dangerous for both people and animals.
Following the issuance of the blue-green algae advisory last week, the Department of Health conducted follow-up monitoring for microcystin at six sites on the Des Lacs River and three sites on the Souris River on Monday.
“Microcystin concentrations at all the sites on both the Des Lac River and the Souris River were well below the Department of Health risk threshold,” said Mike Ell, Division of Water Quality.
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Man pleads not guilty in in Fargo woman’s death in mid-May
FARGO (AP) – A Minnesota man has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the death of a woman whose body was discovered in a Fargo town house in mid-May.
Twenty-two-year-old Landon Lauwagie (loo-WAG’-ee) on Thursday also entered a not guilty plea to the charge of gross sexual imposition.
Lauwagie, of Ponsford, Minnesota, was charged in June in the death of 40-year-old Cory Terlecky on or about May 14.
Authorities say in court documents that Lauwagie sexually assaulted Terlecky and that she died of asphyxiation.
Lauwagie is being held at the Cass County Jail. His attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the case Friday.
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Farmers’ plans for fly-in community by Lake Sakakawea OK’d
WILLISTON (AP) – A residential airpark by Lake Sakakawea is one step closer to reality.
Williams County officials have approved restricting access to a site, a move that will allow the group of farmers behind the airpark to make progress on building the 3,500-foot runway. The approval was granted under the condition that the runway becomes public.
The farmers envision turning neighboring fields into a community with homes and hangars adjacent to the runway.
Bill Sheldon is among the people contributing land to the project. He says the runway will benefit “anyone who wants to enjoy the marina and the golf course.”
Bryan Lee with Red Mike Airpark LLC says some small jets and propeller planes will be able to use the runway.
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Amateur radio course being offered
If you are interested in amateur radio as a new hobby, the Souris Valley Amateur Radio Club will be providing an entry-level licensing course at the Red Cross building on Fourth Avenue starting next month.
Amateur radio operators will learn the physics of radio, use their knowledge to build radio stations in their homes and schools, talk to radio amateurs around the world, and provide emergency communications services when telephone systems fail.
The class will be for people of all ages. The only requirements are to be able to read at a fifth-grade level, use fractions and decimals, and access the internet for about 20 minutes a day for eight weeks.
The class will meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 and 27; Nov. 3, 10, and 17; and Dec. 1, 8 and 15.
The cost for the course will be $15 per person on Oct. 20. However, that fee will be refunded to anyone who completes the class and passes the FCC test. In addition to license test instruction, SVARC will offer optional instruction to any student who wants to learn the Morse Code. Although knowing the code is not required by the FCC, it allows modest stations to communicate farther. It is also needed for a Boy Scout award.
Anyone with questions or to reserve a place in the class can send an email to Joe Ferrara (Ferrara@srt.com) or call Dave Heintzleman at 701-263-7496.
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No settlement reached in city attorney case
A failure to reach a settlement this week means a lawsuit brought by former city attorney Colleen Auer against the City of Minot will proceed to trial.
Auer said Thursday’s settlement conference did not produce an agreement. A tentative trial date is set for next May.
Auer’s lawsuit claims retaliation by the city. Filed in April 2015, Auer’s lawsuit seeks back pay and other unspecified monetary damages.
The city cited insubordination in firing Auer in May 2014, after she had been on the job for only a couple of months. The insubordination claim was based on conflicts with then acting city manager Cindy Hemphill over the handling of her work.
Following her firing, Auer filed retaliation and whistleblower complaints with the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights. The agency took no action because the city declined mediation. Auer transferred her retaliation complaint under Title VII to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which found reasonable cause to suspect that the city had erred and opened the door for Auer to seek a court remedy.
Jill Schramm
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Wine Walk cancelled
The Roosevelt Park Zoo Wild about Wines Walk that had been scheduled for today has been canceled.
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Minot man pleads guilty to drug dealing, child neglect
A 59-year-old Minot man admitted Wednesday to dealing heroin last year and smoking drugs around his 7-year-old grandson.
Under a plea deal with the state, Carl Len Perry pleaded guilty to Class A felony delivery of a controlled substance, Class A felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and child neglect, a Class C felony.
Perry will serve about three years total in prison for the two drug delivery offenses. He was sentenced to six years, with three years suspended, on each count. The sentences will run concurrently. He was given a three year deferred sentence for child neglect and ordered to have no contact with his grandson unless it is approved by Ward County Social Services.
Perry also will get credit for 200 days served in jail. North Central District Court Judge Gary Lee will recommend that he receive drug treatment while in prison.
According to court documents, the boy was taken into foster care. A hair follicle test showed that he had been regularly exposed to methamphetamine. The child, who was born in 2008, told social workers that his grandfather and his friends often smoked drugs in a hotel bathroom when he was in the room. The boy’s school reported that the child fell asleep in class and came to school hungry. He complained that there was nothing to eat in the hotel room where he lived with his mother and grandfather.
Perry’s daughter, Meranda Lynn Malone, 25, is also charged with child neglect in the case as well as Class A felony conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance. Court records show that a warrant is out for Malone’s arrest.
Andrea Johnson
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Man charged with attempted murder to change plea
BISMARCK (AP) – A Bismarck man charged with attempted murder in the shooting of another man over a $300 drug debt plans to change his plea.
The trial of 40-year-old Cheston Pendleton, which was scheduled to begin Tuesday, was cancelled. Court records show a change of plea hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 30.
Pendleton is accused of shooting a 36-year-old man in the chest and then fleeing after a disagreement on Oct. 8 in downtown Bismarck.
Records show Pendleton is being held at the Burleigh County Detention Center. His attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the case Wednesday.
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Dunseith man charged with forgery
A 33-year-old Dunseith man is accused of altering a $100 check from Scheels to a $1,000 check on Monday and then trying to cash the check at First Western Bank in Minot.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, Vernon Jesse Houle sold a Hoyt Turbo Hawk compound bow to Scheels on Monday and was given the $100 check as payment.
Houle was charged with Class C felony forgery or counterfeiting.
He made an initial appearance on Tuesday in North Central District Court.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 27.
Judge Gary Lee set bond and ordered Houle not to go into a Minot Scheel’s store while he is out on bond.
Andrea Johnson
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Enrollment up at Dakota College at Bottineau
BOTTINEAU Enrollment is up at Dakota College at Bottineau for the fall 2016 semester.
The two year college reports that there are 811 students enrolled this year, compared with 692 in 2015.
The college also serves students at Minot State University and Valley City State University in collaborative developmental education courses. When those students are included, the total number of Dakota College at Bottineau students increases to 1,020, compared with 902 students a year ago.
The college attributes the increase to the growth of its online courses and programs and also to its high school dual credit courses.
About 73 percent of Dakota College at Bottineau students come from North Dakota. Some 189 of the students are from other states. Fifteen students come from Canada and 12 come from other countries.
The college is focusing on recruiting efforts to attract more students to the college.
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Car seat check scheduled Saturday
Trinity Health will conduct a Child Car Seat Checkup Saturday, September 24, at Health Center Medical Arts. The free clinic will run from noon to 3 p.m. in the parking garage located under the main parking area.
Certified car seat technicians will be on hand to check whether seats are installed correctly. They’ll also help mount new seats to make sure they meet safety standards.
Parents are asked to bring their car seats, car seat manuals, vehicle manuals, and children who will be using the seats.
The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that in four out of five cases, parents make mistakes when installing child safety systems.
For more information call Trinity’s Pediatric Department at 857-5413.
BRIEFLY
MSU captures Jamestown Invitational
JAMESTOWN Minot State University women’s golf didn’t quite blister the course like it did in the first round, but the Beavers ran away with the University of Jamestown Invite with a 331 in Monday’s final round.
MSU shot a school-record 312 in the first round and followed that up with a 331 to finish with a plus-67 643 overall, 43 strokes ahead of host UJ.
“I’m really proud of how the team played this weekend,” said MSU head coach Spencer Hilde. “This is a big step for our program. It is great for our freshmen to experience success like this.”
Two of those freshmen paced the Beavers in the tournament. Miriam Dumes won her first collegiate tournament with a pair of sub-80 rounds the only player in the field to finish with both rounds under 80 firing a 153 with a 79 on Monday. She shot her career-best 74 in the first round. Teammate Aliece Pierce tied for second overall with a 163 (78-85) in her second outing as a collegiate golfer.
Five Beaver golfers finished in the top 10. Kayla Barke shot an 86 Monday after an opening round 78 for fifth, carding a 164 overall. Katherine McGlenen took sixth with a 165 (82-83) and Kira Dereniwsky cut five strokes off her first round score to finish with a 173 and sixth.
Samantha Cottingham also cut strokes in day 2, shooting a 95 for a two-day total of 202 (20th) and Kaitlyn Hill shot a 203 for 21st overall.
MSU will face its first big Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference test as the Beavers travel to Southwest Minnesota State’s Mustang Invitational featuring multiple NSIC and regional foes Saturday and Sunday in Marshall, Minn.
– Minot State athletics
Reynolds wins Jamestown Invitational
JAMESTOWN Freshman Cody Reynolds won his first collegiate individual title in exciting fashion on Monday.
Heading into hole 17, Reynolds was tied with fellow Beaver Karson O’Keefe and a player from the University of Manitoba. After his first shot landed in the fairway Reynolds took out his 3 iron, 245 yards out, and sunk a shot to score a rare albatross.
With a day one score of 69 and a day two score of 72, Reynolds finished three-under par as the only golfer to score under par.
Three other Beavers landed in the top six as O’Keefe finished tied for second with 144 (74, 70). Carson Harcourt finished fifth with a score of 147 (73, 74) while Matthew Bean finished tied for sixth with a score or 148 (72, 76).
MSU did not officially compete as a team, but did score a team total of 294 on day two.
Minot State will get back into NSIC action at the St. Cloud University Husky Invitational on Sunday and Monday.
– Minot State athletics
Ramirez and Piceno earn NSIC Player of the Week honors
BURNSVILLE, MINN. Senior Ninfa Ramirez and junior Yesenia Piceno were both named Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Player of the Week honors Monday afternoon for their performances against Augustana and Wayne State.
Ramirez won the NSIC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring three goals in two games including both goals in a 2-1 victory over Wayne State. She now has career totals of 22 goals and 49 points.
Piceno was part of a defensive unit that secured one shut out and didn’t allow an opponent’s player to score. The lone goal recorded by Wayne State was scored by an own goal from Minot State. Piceno was the only Beaver to play all 180 minutes over the weekend.
The victory earned over Augustana was the first win against the program since 2013. The Beavers lost twice to the Vikings last season including the loss that kept MSU from advancing in the NSIC Tournament.
The two wins also make Minot State one of just two undefeated teams in conference play this season with Bemidji State.
Minot State will play Bemidji State later this week on Sunday, September 25 at Herb Parker Stadium beginning at 1 p.m. Before hosting BSU the Beavers will travel to Crookston for their third conference game of the year on Thursday. That game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
– Minot State athletics
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Professor Seymour honored at Minot State
Retired professor Tom Seymour has been named a professor emeritus of business
information technology at Minot State University.
Seymour retired during the last school year.
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Fargo National Guard unit on mobilization alert
FARGO (AP) – A North Dakota Army National Guard unit has received an alert notification for possible mobilization in Afghanistan.
About 30 members of the Fargo-based 191st Military Police Company were placed in an alert status. The unit has detachments in Mayville and Bismarck.
If mobilized, the unit will provide military police operations support to U.S. and coalition forces in 2018.
The 191st Military Police Company is led by Capt. Jacob Danduran, of Fargo, and 1st Sgt. Jennifer Gowan, of Grand Forks. Soldiers in the unit hail from nearly 70 communities across North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota.
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Mandan man dies in 1-vehicle rollover near Ellendale
ELLENDALE (AP) – The North Dakota Highway Patrol says a 74-year-old Mandan man died in a rollover accident near Ellendale.
The patrol says the accident happened Friday night on state Highway 11. The victim failed to negotiate a curve and went into the ditch. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say they believe alcohol was a factor in the crash. The victim was not wearing a seat belt.
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Bismarck gets $11.4 million grant for airport
BISMARCK (AP) – North Dakota’s congressional delegation says the Bismarck Municipal Airport is getting a federal grant for runway work.
The delegation says the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration awarded the airport an $11.4 million grant to rehabilitate a large runway.
The Bismarck airport is the second busiest in North Dakota, behind Fargo. Only eight airports in the state that offer commercial airline service.
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Carlsrud wins election for Valley City mayor
VALLEY CITY (AP) – Valley City has a new mayor.
Longtime North Dakota High School Activities Association official Dave Carlsrud defeated two other candidates in a special election.
Carlsrud received 1,044 votes, to 181 for Janice Clark Klein and 150 for Scott Sandvik.
Carlsrud says it’s important that residents treat each other with respect and make the best decisions for the entire community.
The city’s canvassing board is scheduled to meet Wednesday to certify the results.
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N.D. airline boardings remain lower
Minot airline boardings were down just 3 percent during August from the same month a year ago, although year-to-date declines remain at nearly 17 percent, according to the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.
Statewide, boardings were down 10 percent in August, with only Bismarck, with a 4 percent gain, showing higher numbers than a year ago among the state’s commercial airports. The largest declines were in Dickinson, 55.6 percent, and Williston, 28.6 percent. Fargo was down 12.6 percent and Grand Forks 15.4 percent.
Regional airports in Devils Lake and Jamestown saw increases of 90 percent and 51 percent, respectively.
Overall, there were 87,730 boardings in the state during August, of which 13,258 were in Minot.
This year through August, statewide boardings are down 13.32 percent, with the largest declines in Dickinson, 63.4 percent, and Williston, 40.4 percent.
Jill Schramm
Officials seek up to $6M from state-owned bank
BISMARCK (AP) – North Dakota emergency services officials are asking for up to $6 million from the state-owned bank to offset costs associated with help provided to law enforcement during protests against the Dakota Access pipeline.
The state Department of Emergency Services would set up a loan with the Bank of North Dakota and repay it with interest.
Emergency Services Department spokeswoman Cecily Fong says the state had never responded to large protests.
Gov. Jack Dalrymple has also asked for federal help. The newspaper reports his office says the state has spent $1.8 million so far policing the protests.
A federal judge declined to block the four-state pipeline Friday, but federal agencies stopped work near Lake Oahe. Federal agencies also asked pipeline operator Energy Transfer Partners to voluntarily stop work on a 40-mile stretch.
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Council cancels special meeting
A previously scheduled special meeting of the Minot City Council on Sept. 19 has been canceled.
Council members were to take final action on the 2017 city budget at the meeting. They now will take up the budget at the council’s regular meeting Oct. 3.
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Students named as semifinalists for Merit Scholarships
Area high school seniors are among semi-finalists for National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarships.
They include Sarah Miller, Glenburn, Kelsey Bohan and Ciara Spade, both Minot High School-Magic City Campus, Sara Bourne, Rugby, Marlie Heiser, a home schooled student from Watford City, Devin Schmitz, Watford City High School, and Sharon Muscha, Williston.
They are among 16,000 students chosen as semi-finalists. Finalists will be chosen next spring and have the opportunity to be awarded Merit Scholarships.
Semifinalists are chosen based on their performance on the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
To become a finalist, students must submit a detailed scholarship applicaiton with information about his or her academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received. Finalists must have an outstanding academic record, have a recommendation from a school official, write an essay and earn an SAT score that that confirms the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.
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Hoffer to receive Eagle Scout award
Bridger Hoffer will receive his Eagle Scout award at a ceremony Saturday at 3 p.m. in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
Hoffer, 17, a student at Magic City Campus and member of Troop 425, is the son of Rae and Joe Hoffer. He participated in Cub Scouts with Pack 404 before becoming a Boy Scout in 2011 and working to obtain the merit badges required for the Eagle award. His Eagle project involved organizing 35 people to undertake a landscaping project at his church. He planned and oversaw the removal of overgrown bushes and trees and replaced old soil and rocks in stone planters with a new layer of soil and mulch before planting flowers. The two-day project was completed in May 2015.
Hoffer said his scouting experience has taught him leadership and organizational skills.
“It’s a great program,” he said. “There’s many opportunities for boys if they are thinking about joining, not only learning about outdoor skills but also life-long skills.”
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Sewer project prompts road closure
Construction on the Puppy Dog Phase 6 Sanitary Sewer Improvements project will kick off this week in southeast Minot.
The first phase of the project includes the closure of a portion of 37th Avenue Southeast from 50th Street Southeast for 550 feet to the east. This segment of the roadway will be closed starting today for about two weeks. A detour has been set up at 55th Street Southeast to provide access to areas east of 50th Street.
The City of Minot Puppy Dog Phase 6 Project will provide sanitary sewer upgrades for residents in south Minot. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.
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Suspect in Williston shooting arrested
WILLISTON (AP) – Law enforcement authorities in Williston say the suspected gunman in a shooting that left two men dead in May has been arrested.
The 32-year-old suspect was arrested on two counts of murder Tuesday in Williston. He is being held at the Williams County Correctional Center. He has not been formally charged.
Authorities say the man killed 24-year-old Diandre Lott and 23-year-old Donzell Washington on May 17 at an apartment complex. Lott and Washington were found dead of multiple gunshot wounds.
Police say the shooting happened after Lott and Washington arrived at the suspect’s apartment to talk about a used car for sale.
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Man charged with aggravated assault, criminal mischief
A 27-year-old Minot man is charged with felony aggravated assault and criminal mischief.
Sam-uel Kendrick allegedly shot at a car belonging to a family member with a pellet and BB gun and injured the relative during a physical altercation.
Kendrick was emotionally distraught at the time, according to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court.
If convicted on both charges, Kendrick could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
A preliminary hearing for Kendrick is scheduled for Oct. 20.
Andrea Johnson
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Drivers License offices closed on September 28
Drivers License offices, statewide, will be temporarily closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28. The closure will allow North Dakota Department of Transportation Drivers License employees to receive required annual training.
The Grand Forks Drivers License office, located at 1951 N. Washington Street in Grand Forks, will be closed Sept. 26-28, for a construction project.
All Drivers License sites will resume normal business hours on Thursday, Sept. 29.
Motor Vehicle offices will remain open as scheduled, and will process vehicle registrations, vehicle titles, vehicle license plates and tabs, and associated work as usual.
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Devils Lake airport seeing record number of passengers
DEVILS LAKE (AP) – The airport in Devils Lake is seeing a record number of passengers this year, but with federal aid tied to boarding numbers, the airport’s leader would like to see many more people at the facility.
The airport in this community of about 7,200 people is on track to hit 6,500 boardings. Airport manager John Nord wants that number to increase by 3,500.
The facility currently gets $150,000 a year in federal funds for improvement projects, but the assistance would jump to $1 million if the airport hits 10,000 boardings.
Nord says the current yearly federal funds don’t “go that far on projects, but once I get to the 10,000 number, I get $1 million a year,” he said. “It’s really important to get up to that number.”
Nord said the airport’s crosswind runway is in dire need of being milled and resurfaced. That project would cost around $2 million. In addition, the state-of-the-art snow removal machine that Nord would like to purchase costs $750,000.
“We’re under a crunch in a snowstorm,” Nord said. “We have commercial flights, we have (limited) time to get the runway opened up, and if we don’t have the equipment to do it, it isn’t a good situation.”
Nord said that before 2016, the airport had never seen more than 600 boardings in a given month. In February, however, it saw 612 boardings, up from 307 in 2015.
“We’re doing good, we just encourage everybody to take a look at us,” he said. “Use Devils Lake Airport.”
BRIEFLY
MSU soccer game postponed
By Daily News Staff
The Minot State women’s soccer has postponed its conference opener today against Univerisity of Mary due to ongoing construction at Herb Parker Stadium. This comes in the wake of the Beavers having to cancel their last home game against No. 4 Central Missouri on Saturday because of the same reason as the playing conditions were unsafe.
While that contest againt Central Missouri probably won’t be made up, the NSIC contest against UMary has been rescheduled for Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
MSU officials have also confirmed that Herb Parker Stadium will be ready this weekend for when the Beavers host Augustana University on Saturday at 11 a.m. and the football team plays University of Sioux Falls at 3 p.m.
MSU golf excels at Bemidji State Invites
The Minot State men’s golf team won and the women’s team placed third at the Bemidji State Invitational and Bemidji State Tracy Lane Memorial Invite, respectively.
The men’s team was led by Karson O’Keefe, who won the individual title with a two-day total of 144. Fellow Beaver Matthew Kreutz finished tied for second with a 146.
“This was a great win for our team,” coach Randy Westby said. “We won by three strokes over the home team, Bemidji, and there were seven other NSIC teams there so this shows where we stand in the conference.”
The women’s team came from 10 shots back on the second day to move up from fourth place to third. MSU outpaced St. Cloud by 17 shots on day two with a 327 and 673 two-day total to secure a podium finish.
Minnesota State won the invite with a score of 645 and Concordia St. Paul placed second (662).
The Beavers’ best individual finisher was freshman Miriam Dumes who finished seventh with two rounds of 81.
“We really made progress today,” coach Spencer Hilde said. “I’m very pleased with the poise our freshmen showed today.”
Both programs are scheduled to travel to Jamestown next for the University of Jamestown Invite taking place on Sunday and Monday.
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Man charged with terrorizing
A 27-year-old Minot man is accused of threatening his stepfather with a bat during an altercation at a Minot residence on Tuesday evening.
Zachary James Britton Angell is charged with terrorizing, a Class C felony that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the North Central District Court, Angell was emotionally distraught over personal issues at the time.
Angell made his initial appearance on Wednesday before Judge Doug Mattson. A preliminary hearing date was set for Oct. 13.
Andrea Johnson
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State seeks input on child welfare system
BISMARCK The North Dakota Department of Human Services is holding a statewide stakeholder meeting to gather information from parents and caregivers of children who were involved in the child welfare system and received services within the last year in the areas of foster care, adoption, child protection services and family preservation services. The meeting will be held via telephone conference call on Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m.
Parents interested in participating in the one-hour joint meeting are asked to call the department’s Children and Family Services Division at 701-328-2316, toll-free 800-245-3736, or Relay ND TTY 800-366-6888 and ask for the Help Desk coordinator to register for the meeting. Call-in information will be provided upon registration. Confidentiality of participants will be assured.
The parent stakeholder meeting is part of an overall Child and Family Services Review conducted by the Children’s Bureau in partnership with state child welfare staff. The review is a two-stage process that involves a statewide assessment and an onsite visit that includes case reviews, and meetings with children and families engaged in services, as well as community stakeholders including the courts, community agencies, foster families, service providers and other child welfare partners. The state will receive a final report recapping the review, along with system recommendations and next steps.
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Four people charged with counterfeiting
Multiple forgery or counterfeiting charges have been filed against four people in North Central District Court.
According to court documents, Gunnar Zachary St. Croix, 25, is charged with five counts of forgery or counterfeiting. His sister, Zoe Kayleen St. Croix, 19, is charged with two counts of forgery or counterfeiting. Paige Rebekah Holmes, 20, is charged with four counts of forgery or counterfeiting. Travis Cole Black, 22, is charged with three counts of forgery or counterfeiting. Forgery or counterfeiting is a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The alleged crimes took place in July 2014. Counterfeit bills were used to pay for items at various Minot businesses during that time period.
One of the defendants, Zoe St. Croix, appeared in North Central District Court on Wednesday. A preliminary hearing has been set for Oct. 20.
Andrea Johnson
Briefly
Remarket your art at the Taube Museum of Art
Looking for a way to remarket your art? Make a little cash? The Taube Museum of Art’s ReMarket Your Art sale is a unique occasion for those with original art to sell those pieces. If you have art on your wall, or in your closet that no longer suits you, or was bought on a whim, this is an excellent opportunity for one to sell those pieces. They will be accepting the following for remarketing: previously owned original art, prints, drawings, pottery, fiber arts, jewelry, and frames. All works must be in good, clean condition without chips, cracks or breaks. This sale will also include works of art that have been consigned or donated to the museum over the years.
Additionally, the Taube will be accepting contributions for our Starving Artist’s corner, of gently used art and craft supplies, frames, and canvases with images to love as is, or to repaint.
There is no limit on the number of pieces to consign or contribute, although the Museum reserves the right not to accept any piece for the sale. To participate in this sale, drop off your artwork prior to Tuesday, Oct. 29. The Taube Museum will retain a minimum of a 30 percent commission on all sales, unless designated otherwise by the consignee. When pricing one’s art,
keep in mind it is not typically worth what one originally paid for it. The ReMarket Your Art Sale will be an opportunity for our members and the public to re-home previously owned artwork. This is not a sale for artists to sell their work. It is a cash and carry, three day event. Opening night is a ticket only exclusive event held on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 7-9 p.m., which will include a wine tasting with local vintner Eric Hansen of the Minot Winemaking Club, live music by Leonard Haabak and a silent auction. Proceeds from this event will benefit ongoing programming at the Taube Museum of Art, a non-profit organization.
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Governor candidates to debate in October
North Dakota’s governor candidates have two debates set in October.
The North Dakota Newspaper Association will host a debate Oct. 3 in Belle Mehus Auditorium in Bismarck. Prairie Public Television in Fargo will host a debate Oct. 10, which will air on Oct. 12.
These will be the second and third debates for Republican Doug Burgum, Democrat Marvin Nelson and Libertarian Marty Riske. They also participated in an earlier debate in August.
The first debate, held during the Greater North Dakota Chamber’s 2016 Policy Summit, covered issues such as government regulation, the economy, the state’s oil tax structure, property taxes and mental health and addiction services.
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State superintendent seeks applicants for student cabinet
State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is asking North Dakota young people to apply to join her Student Cabinet. The group will provide Baesler with ideas and opinions about how to improve North Dakota education, according to a press release from her office.
Public and private school students enrolled in grades three through 12, as well as students in their first year of college, are encouraged to apply. The application form is posted at on the department’s website at nd.gov/dpi.
Applicants must be able to travel to meetings and have a parent or chaperone to accompany them.
The application deadline is Friday, Sept. 23. Superintendent Baesler hopes to name her cabinet appointments by Sept. 30.
The cabinet will have up to 20 members. Applicants are asked to respond to these questions:
1. Why do you want to be a member of the cabinet?
2. What characteristics do you have that would benefit the cabinet?
3. What do you believe is the biggest issue facing students in North Dakota?
Applicants are also invited to list any school or community activities in which they are involved.
Members of the Student Cabinet “will have a voice and a role in shaping what the next generation of students will experience in their classrooms, and could even influence their next year in school,” Baesler said.
“Just from my experience as a vice principal and as a teacher myself, and even as a school board member, I find that when I visit with students, they have thoughts and opinions on a whole myriad of subjects,” Baesler said. “We can find out what their ideas are, so they can share with us their thoughts on how we can improve things, and how we can build on things that we are already doing well.”
Iowa man arrested for assault
in Watford City
WATFORD CITY An Iowa man was arrested Sept. 2 on a charge that he assaulted a man during a bar fight in Watford City on Aug. 27.
Zachary Ryan Womelsdorf, 33, of Eagle Grove, Iowa, is charged with Class C felony aggravated assault, according to a press release issued by Watford City police.
According to police, the alleged victim, Robert Villalobos, 47, of Watford City, was found lying on the floor unconscious and bleeding from the nose. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for his injuries. Womelsdorf allegedly fled the scene before police arrived.
Police investigate shooting vandalism
Minot police are investigating a shooting Friday in the 2500 block of Second Avenue Southwest.
No injuries were reported, but bullet holes were found in three vehicles and one apartment at 2529 2nd Avenue Southwest. Police recovered 16 shell casings from a 9mm at the scene.
According to police, they first responded to a report of gunshots at the address at about 4 a.m. on Friday. They searched the area but were unable to find any indications of where the shots were fired.
Police were called back to the area at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday when one resident reported finding bullet holes in a vehicle. At that point, police searched and found bullet holes in the other cars and the apartment and the shell casings.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Minot Police Department at 852-0111 or through Crime Stoppers at 852-7463. The caller can remain anonymous and is eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.
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City offices closed Monday
In observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 5, all city offices will be closed. This will include City Hall, Public Works, the Minot Auditorium, the Minot Public Library and the Engineering Department. There will be no public transit or garbage pickup for Labor Day Monday and the landfill will also be closed. However, the city landfill will remain open on Saturday September, 3rd. All City of Minot operations will resume regular hours on Tuesday, September 6th.
September’s regular City Council meeting will be moved to Tuesday, Sept. 6 in Council Chambers beginning at 6:30 p.m. A full agenda is available now at minotnd.org.
For water service or other City of Minot service emergencies the public is asked to contact the emergency hotline at 852-0111.
AARP hosts lunch-and-learn for medical
consumers
Being a patient in a medical facility, a caregiver for a loved one in the hospital or an advocate for a patient can be overwhelming and confusing. AARP aims to empower consumers and help them navigate the medical world by offering a lunch-and-learn session in Minot Sept. 15.
Gain confidence by learning what questions to ask, what things you should question, how to get needed services, how to deal with insurance companies and more.
There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required by calling 1-877-926-8300 or going online at aarp.org/nd. A light meal will be served. Participants are invited to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to Great Plains Food Bank.
The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Sleep Inn & Suites.
Williston crew camps still
fighting deadline
WILLISTON (AP) – Operators of oil field crew camps in Williston are fighting this week’s deadline for the camps to shut down.
Lawyers for the camp operators have asked a federal judge for an injunction against the deadline that passed Thursday. U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland didn’t immediately rule.
Targets Logistics, Halliburton and Lodging Solutions sued earlier, maintaining they’re being treated unfairly. The city disputes that, saying there are enough apartments and hotels in the city now to handle the housing needs.
Mayor Howard Klug says he’s disappointed with the latest legal move. He says the crew camp operators will be subject to daily fines if they don’t shut down.
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Community Wish List open for grant requests
Grant applications are open for the Community Wish List of United Community Bank of ND and Minot Area Community Foundation. The purpose of this program is to help support nonprofit organizations in providing new and unique events and programs to the Minot community and surrounding areas. The goal is to help fund new programs that improve the quality of life for families and individuals living in the Minot area.
Applications for community events or projects will be accepted until 5 p.m. Sept. 30. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Three applicants will be chosen and promoted on United Community Bank’s Facebook page, giving the opportunity for community members to vote from Oct. 10-14. The organization with the most votes via Facebook will be awarded a grant of $2,500. The remaining finalists will have an opportunity to be provided with funding from the Minot Area Community Foundation.
Application requirements are:
Must be a program or event benefiting or established by a nonprofit organization.
Event or program must benefit a community within 50 miles of Minot.
Organizations that have been a previous winner or finalist are welcome to apply but the program/event submitted must be new to applying for the grant.
Existing events and programs are applicable, but new programs will receive stronger consideration when choosing the finalists.
The application can be found on the United Community Bank website, www.ucbnd.com, or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ucbnorthdakota. Hard copies of the application are available at the Minot and Burlington United Community Bank locations and at the Minot Area Community Foundation office.
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Minot State commemorates 9/11 anniversary
This year, the nation will mark the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Minot State University will commemorate the anniversary Sept. 9. The memorial will start at 11:30 a.m. in the Quad with the Minot State University Veterans Club color guard and national anthem.
That will be followed by introductions of guests that include Veteran Center Director Andy Heitkamp, student veterans and a presentation of commemorative artwork and comments (Wildlife in Motion Steve Holmes).
The anniversary of Sept. 11 is a day of history, emotion and reflection for most Americans. This day also symbolizes the resilience, kindness and unity of the American people. For all Americans, Sept. 11, 2001, forever changed the world. Just as Dec. 7, 1941, or Pearl Harbor Day, defined a generation, 9/11 has indelibly shaped everyone’s lives, including current students: who they are, how everyone lives daily and what everyone believes in.
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