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DICKINSON – Free throw shooting lifted Minot State’s men’s basketball team to victory in its season opener late Wednesday night.

The Beavers capitalized on 30 Dickinson State fouls, and hit 32 of 43 free throws to pull away from the Blue Hawks 78-71 during an exhibition contest at Scott Gymnasium. MSU led by just two points at halftime, and trailed by six with less than 10 minutes to play, but the Beavers rattled off a 17-7 run down the stretch to secure victory.

Minot State senior guard Chris Davis kickstarted that run, scoring on a feed from junior Nate Mertens with 4:35 to go. From there, key free throws by senior forward Winston Williams, senior guard Dominique McDonald and sophomore forward Stevan Jovanovic put the game on ice for MSU.

The Beavers managed a lopsided 23-point advantage over Dickinson State at the free-throw line, shooting 74.4 percent from the line. MSU committed just 14 fouls.

DSU shot 43.6 percent from the field, and hit seven more field goals than the Beavers. Julian Vasquez led the Blue Hawks with 22 points, as three other Dickinson State scorers finished in double figures.

Jovanovic paced Minot State, hitting 9 of 10 from the line for 17 points along with five rebounds. Davis chipped in with 16 points and added six rebounds, while sophomore forward Tyler Rudolph finished just shy of a double-double with 15 points and a team-high nine boards. Williams chipped in 10 points and four rebounds.

The Beavers begin their regular season on the road, as they travel to Lancaster, Texas to take on two Great American Conference teams – Southern Arkansas and Henderson State – on Nov. 13 and 14, respectively.

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3-point shooting downs MSU women

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DICKINSON – Three-point shooting can be a game changer for underdog teams.

But you don’t have to tell Minot State’s women’s basketball team. In their first game of the season, the Beavers were defeated by former NAIA rival Dickinson State 80-67 during an exhibition game late Wednesday at Scott Gymnasium.

The Blue Hawks (2-0 overall) hit 12 3-pointers against MSU – including eight in the first half – as DSU built a 51-38 halftime lead. Dickinson State shot 20 of 29 from the field in the first half, and 8 of 17 from behind the arc to build its initial lead.

Minot State converted 16 of 31 field goal attempts (51.6 percent) in the first half, but struggled beyond the arc, hitting just two 3s in the opening 20 minutes.

Both teams cooled off in the second half, which kept an MSU comeback at bay.

Five different Blue Hawks finished with double-figure scoring totals, paced by Janniqua Thomas’ game-high 19 points. Megan Klein added a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.

MSU junior Alex Haley and redshirt freshman Kari Clements scored 12 points apiece for the Beavers, while senior guard Sarah Lester chipped in with 11. Senior forward Savana Kingsbury recorded a team-best 13 rebounds and scored six points for Minot State.

The Beavers make their home debut with another exhibition contest this Sunday, as they welcome the University of Regina for a 5 p.m. tipoff at the MSU Dome.

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MSU wrestling ranked 8th in preseason poll

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Minot State’s wrestling team was picked to finish eighth out of nine teams in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference preseason coaches poll.

Points were accumulated from the top five individuals in each weight class. Ten points were awarded for top-ranked wrestlers, followed by seven points for No. 2-ranked performers, four points for third, two for fourth and one for fifth.

Minot State received points from sophomore Tanner Crissler (141 pounds), sophomore Cody Haugen (149) and senior Marcus Polak (157).

A Belcourt native, Crissler is ranked fifth after going 16-13 as a freshman and leading MSU in points scored with 58. Crissler also co-led the Beavers with 41 takedowns last saeson.

At 149, Haugen, of Minot, is ranked third. Another Beaver coming off of a productive first season, Haugen went 17-15 last year as he tallied 39 points and 32 takedowns.

Polak, another Minot native, is ranked fifth ahead of his senior season at 157 pounds. Though he didn’t compete last year, Polak tallied 29 wins as a freshman, placed third at National Collegiate Wrestling Association north central regionals, and qualified for the NCWA national championships.

The top ranked team, St. Cloud State, had athletes ranked at the top spot in six of 10 weight classes.

Minot State begins its season at North Dakota State on Nov. 14, beginning at 10 a.m.

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Hatfield picks up academic honor

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On Thursday, Minot State senior Breanne Hatfield became on a first-team honoree on the 2015 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District women’s soccer team.

Hatfield, one of five defensemen selected, has been a fixture for the Beavers on defense this season, helping MSU to a 0.75 goals against average through 16 matches. From her position at left back, Hatfield has recorded two assists on the year, and was named Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference defender of the week on Oct. 5.

Hatfield’s on-field performances have been solid, she’s also been excelling in the classroom with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while triple majoring in Biology, Mathematics and Chemistry. She is the first CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree from MSU’s women’s soccer team, and is now the fifth Beaver to earn district honors since Minot State joined NCAA Division II.

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Our Redeemer’s rolls in District 12 tournament opener

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GLENBURN – The Our Redeemer’s Christian School volleyball team opened the District 12 volleyball tournament in dominant fashion Thursday night.

The top-seeded Knights defeated South Prairie 25-1, 25-10 and 25-3 to advance to Friday’s semifinals.

Freshman Cara Steede paced ORCS with 14 kills, while junior Morgan Olson had 16 assists, 10 kills and two aces. The Knights also got 17 assists and seven aces from Karlee Zablotney.

Karena Verbitsky, Jessica Peterson and Lacey Matula each had three digs in the loss for South Prairie.

The Knights will play Bishop Ryan this evening, as the fourth-seeded Lions topped Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood in three games.

Ryan won 25-20, 25-20 and 25-19.

Sophomore McKinlee Harmon had 13 kills and two aces to pace the Lions. Junior Shayla Elm added 34 digs for the Lions, while Emma Garber had 18 assists.

Katie Gates finished with 19 assists in the loss for M-L-S.

In the third match of the day, No. 2-seeded Des Lacs-Burlington cruised to a three-game win over Surrey: 25-16, 25-7 and 25-9.

Junior Kayla Schaefer had 10 kills and six digs in the win, while senior Megan DeGree added nine kills and five digs.

Caitlyn Bachmeier had three kills and two blocks in the loss for Surrey.

In the final match of the night, Lewis & Clark-Berthold knocked off Glenburn in three games: 25-8, 25-22 and 25-12.

Senior Cassidy Lemke had eight kills and three blocks for Lewis and Clark. Sophomore Harlee Gunning had five kills and three aces in the loss for Glenburn.

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Top-seeded Rugby advances in District 11 tournament

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RUGBY – Top-seeded Rugby made short work of Nedrose in the opening round of the District 11 volleyball tournament Thursday.

The Panthers won 25-10, 25-12 and 25-11.

Rugby got seven kills from senior Ashley Schmaltz, and six kills and six digs from sophomore Sara Stier in the win. Senior Shea Heidlebaugh finished with 26 assists for the Panthers, who advance to play Velva this evening.

Freshman Alexis Leier and eighth-grader Hailey Roberts finished with four digs apiece in the loss for Nedrose.

Velva defeated Drake-Anamoose in four games to advance in the winner’s bracket. Velva won 25-18, 25-23, 18-25 and 26-24.

Junior Jonnah Lee finished with 11 kills and four blocks for the Aggies, while senior Hannah Weidler added nine digs and eight kills in the win. Senior Sydney Seehafer and senior Gracee Buri each finished with seven kills for the Raiders.

No. 2-seeded Bottineau defeated Towner-Granville-Upham in three games to move on to face Sawyer in this evening’s semifinal round.

Bottineau won in three games over the Titans: 25-19, 25-17, 26-24.

Senior Paige Vad had 13 kills to pace the Braves, while senior Baylee Greiner had 19 digs and two aces. Senior Maddy Bollinger had seven kills and two blocks in the loss for T-G-U.

In the final game of the day, Sawyer rolled to a four-game win over Newburg-Westhope, winning 21-25, 25-15, 25-18 and 25-19.

Senior Mara Roetliuk had 15 blocks and nine kills in the win for the Flashes. Senior Paige Brabandt also added 16 assists and seven digs in the win.

Senior Savannah Gust finished with 18 digs for the Sioux, while junior Hannah Tofteland had nine kills.

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

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Hearing held for Mitchel

A pretrial conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. Jan. 6 for Marlon Durrel Mitchel, 29, who is facing a Class C aggravated assault charge for allegedly stabbing a man who then allegedly fired multiple shots in his direction in a northeast Minot neighborhood. Mitchel, who represented himself, was arraigned Thursday in North Central District Court.

Mitchel is one of two men facing charges connected to the incident at 3:11 p.m. on Sept. 23. According to a police report and court documents, Mitchel became involved in an altercation with Dealvis Harris, 33, at 516-9th St. NE that led to the violence.

Harris is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, both Class C felonies; reckless endangerment, a Class C felony, possession of stolen property, a Class C felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor, in connection with the incident. A preliminary hearing for Harris is scheduled for Nov. 5 at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Todd Cresap.

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Williston Main Street Project Completed, Ribbon Cutting Held Today

WILLISTON State and local officials celebrated the completion of the reconstruction of Main Street in Williston Thursday.

“This project represents an investment of $10.6 million dollars in the heart of Williston,” said Williston Mayor Howard Klug. “This is a wonderful day for the people of Williston because this project is so vital to our community and its residents.”

The Williston Main Street Reconstruction project includes replacement of storm drains, sewer, water, sidewalks, landscaping and signal lights from Front Street to Sixth Street in downtown Williston.

The state has invested about $206 million in road projects for Williston in the past few years according to North Dakota Department of Transportation deputy director Darcy Rosendahl, who represented the department at the celebration.

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Corps supports flood study for Minot region

WASHINGTON Sen. John Hoeven announced Thursday that he has secured support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a flood study for the Minot region.

Hoeven met this week with Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy, Army Corps Chief of Engineers Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick and Office of Management and Budget director Shaun Donovan. He said the Corps’ leaders support initiating a feasibility study for the Minot region so the Corps can aid the city in developing a comprehensive, multi-phase flood protection project for the Minot region.

Hoeven followed up with Donovan to urge support for the Minot project, which will require signoff from OMB to move forward. Donovan said he is supportive of the projects, subject to passage of Energy and Water Appropriations bill that includes new starts and funding for the Corps.

“We made good progress this week advancing flood protections for the Red River Valley and the Minot region,” Hoeven said. “Now, we need to continue working to pass the FY16 Energy and Water funding bill to ensure that the Corps receives the authorities and funding necessary to move these projects forward.”

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Students’ return to damaged Standing Rock school delayed

CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP) – Students at an elementary school on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation that was damaged by a grass fire will have to wait a little longer to return to their regular classrooms.

The 120 students have been attending classes in Solen since the Oct. 11 blaze that melted playground equipment and filled the Cannon Ball school with smoke and soot.

They were to return to Cannon Ball on Wednesday, but school administrator Justin Fryer tells KXMB-TV (http://bit.ly/1NatOUs ) that cleanup isn’t done.

Fryer says officials will inspect the building Friday with hopes of moving students back in on Monday.

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Walker and Cook plead not guilty

Two adult suspects in the robbery of a Minot residence on Sept. 21 entered not guilty pleas on Wednesday in North Central District Court.

Deon Dalon Walker, 19, is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, burglary, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Shantwan Lamar Cook, 18, is charged wtih possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, armed robbery and burglary. Both men entered not guilty pleas to all of the charges. A pretrial conference for both was set for Jan. 6.

Also charged is Raeshaun Dujan Walker, 19, who is charged with burglary, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and criminal conspiracy. The preliminary hearing for Raeshaun Walker was waived on Wednesday. A pretrial conference for Raeshaun Walker is also set for 10 a.m. on Jan. 6.

The men are alleged to have robbed a house, armed with a machete and BB gun.

Two juveniles were also charged in juvenile court.

According to court documents, both weapons were found in the suspect vehicle, along with a wallet with a large sum of money and cell phones taken from the residence. Also found was a large bag with two ounces of marijuana. All five were allegedly involved in the robbery inside the house, left the house together, and each of the five allegedly planned to split the marijuana.

Andrea Johnson

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Gerard pleads not guilty

Douglas Verne Gerard, 32, pleaded not guilty Thursday to attempting to rob three people at gunpoint at a local hotel on July 29.

Gerard is charged with robbery, a Class B felony, and prohibited possession of a firearm, a Class C felony.

According to an affidavit filed with the court, Gerard and another man, William Alan Downey, 26, of Marseilles, Ill., pointed long guns at the three people, and Gerard allegedly ordered the two women to tie themselves up with zip ties, but they didn’t cooperate. Gerard reportedly became angry and pumped his gun and a shell came out of the gun. The alleged victims reported that Gerard said he would kill them. According to the affidavit, one of victims wrestled the gun away from Downey, at which point Gerard and Downey fled the motel.

Downey pleaded guilty to robbery, a Class B felony, and prohibited possession of a firearm, a Class C felony, on Oct. 8. His sentencing is set for 10 a.m. on Dec. 15.

A pretrial conference for Gerard is set for Jan. 6 at 8:30 a.m. in North Central District Court.

Andrea Johnson

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Hearing set for today for Gerard

A preliminary hearing and/or arraignment is scheduled today in North Central District Court in Minot at 3 p.m. for Douglas Verne Gerard, 32, who is accused of attempting to rob three people at gunpoint at a local hotel on July 29. Gerard is charged with robbery, a Class B felony, and prohibited possession of a firearm, a Class C felony.

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

Downey pleaded gulity to robbery, a Class B felony, and prohibited possession of a firearm, a Class C felony, on Oct. 8. His sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Dec. 15.

According to the affidavit filed with the court, Downey was convicted of possession of a controlled substance and aid, abet, possess and/or sell stolen vehicle in 2011 in Illinois and was sentenced to one year in prison. Gerard was convicted of burglary, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia, all Class C felonies, in 2013. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with all but three years suspended for five years of supervised probation.

Andrea Johnson

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Semitrailer strikes, kills pedestrian in McKenzie County

WATFORD CITY (AP) – A pedestrian died in McKenzie County after being struck by a semitrailer.

The Highway Patrol did not immediately identify the male victim, who authorities say died at the scene on state Highway 23 about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The driver of the semi was not hurt. No charges were immediately filed in the incident.

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Trial called off due to technical issue

STANLEY A trial scheduled this week for a 58-year-old Williston man has been called off due to a technical issue, according to the Mountrail County Clerk of Court. No new date has yet been set.

Clyde Edward Pickens is accused of sexually assaulting a girl on different occasions in Mountrail County in 2012 when she was 10 and 11 years old.

Pickens is charged with two counts of Class AA felony gross sexual imposition and one count of Class A felony gross sexual imposition.

Andrea Johnson

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Registered sex offenders in compliance

Currently 30 registered sex offenders are residing within Ward County outside of the city of Minot, according to Chief Deputy Bob Barnard of the Ward County Sheriff’s Department.

Each year the sheriff’s department assigns deputies to visit each offender personally to ascertain whether they are in complete compliance with their registration requirements. That task was recently completed, and all 30 offenders within Ward County were found to be in compliance with their registry requirements.

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Ribbon cutting today for New Town project

NEW TOWN A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held today at 10 a.m. for New Town’s Main Street reconstruction project and reopening of N.D. Highway 23 through the city.

The ceremony will be held by the New Town Civic Center.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple is expected to attend the event.

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Area communities receive tourism grants

BISMARCK Tourism-related events in area communities are among 12 projects recently awarded funding from North Dakota Tourism’s marketing grant programs.

Legendary Adventures New Discoveries, Watford City, receive assistance to promote the Badlands Gravel Battle 100 bike race. Keplin Arts and Entertainment, Belcourt, received funds for the Ryan Keplin Summerfest. The Kenmare Association of Commerce received funds for a website upgrade.

The marketing and event marketing grant programs provide a maximum of $5,000 in matching funds for promotion of regional events and for specific tourism marketing plans. The two programs awarded $45,291 between them. Grant recipients will receive 25 percent of the grant money up front with the remaining 75 percent paid following the completed event or marketing project.

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Minot Park Board to add new park

At the Oct. 20 monthly meeting, the Minot Park Board voted to make an offer to buy 240 acres of land for a new park. The land is located west of the U.S. Highway 83 Bypass and north of U.S Highway 2 W. It’s tentatively called Trestle View Park.

Trestle View Park, a name inspired from the view of the railroad trestle, will include nature and cross-country ski trails, Frisbee golf, picnic areas, a sliding hill for winter sledding and a new golf course.

The Minot Park District said that area of town was identified as needing a regional park. Ron Merritt, Minot Park director, said the park district hired an architect to evaluate the land to make sure it could handle the proposed features of the park.

Merritt said people are welcome to give their input regarding the new park project.

Trestle View Park is a long-range plan that will take several years to develop and build.

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New Town receives money for water system

NEW TOWN The city of New Town has been awarded a $5 million loan from the North Dakota Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program administered by the North Dakota Department of Health.

The money will go toward $18.68 million in water treatment plant improvements and clearwell storage expansion.

The program is administered by the health department with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program offers below-market interest rate loans to political subdivisions for financing projects authorized under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

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Accident injures one near Burlington

An accident near the east entrance of Burlington injured one person at about 7 p.m. Thursday, as reported by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Ayla R. LaRocque, 20, Burlington, was traveling from Burlington to Minot. Stephen J. Coomes, 52, Nisku, Alberta, was traveling west on Highway 2. LaRocque, who was driving a 2015 Nissan Titan, attempted to turn onto Highway 2 but failed to yield to oncoming traffic, which happened to be Coomes, driving a 2013 Volvo truck tractor. Coomes swerved in an attempt to avoid striking LaRocque’s vehicle, but was unable. After their vehicles collided, LaRocque’s vehicle stopped on the shoulder of the road and Coomes’ truck tractor stopped in the median. LaRocque’s vehicle was damaged on the left side. Coomes’ vehicle sustained minor damage.

Burlington Fire Department units extricated LaRocque from her vehicle. She was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot for treatment. Coomes, who was driving with a suspended license, was not injured.

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Hearing held for Garcia-Bucio

STANLEY A pretrial conference has been set for 1:15 p.m. Jan. 7 for Luis Miguel Garcia-Bucio, 32, New Town, who is facing a Class C felony charge of luring a minor by computer.

Garcia-Bucio was arraigned Thursday.

According to court documents, Garcia-Bucio was arrested on Sept. 11 for allegedly sending naked pictures of himself to a 17-year-old girl’s phone.

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Dakota College, Minot State make agreement

Dakota College at Bottineau students who graduate with an associate degree in early childhood education will now be able to transfer to Minot State University to complete a bachelor of science in education in early childhood development.

Minot State and Dakota College at Bottineau signed a memorandum of understanding on the agreement Oct. 22.

Minot State professors will go to Dakota College once a year to recruit students into the program.

“Leslee (Thorpe, instructor and early childhood and education coordinator) and I plan on going to DCB this semester to visit with students interested in education,” said Erik Kana, Department of Teacher Education and Human Performance chair at MSU and assistant professor, in a press release. “There is a large, well-documented need for quality child care in our community, as well as licensed early childhood education teachers in public schools. Our goal is to initiate the conversation with other teacher education programs at MSU in the hopes of many more MOUs.”

A sequence of courses has been constructed for students who wish to utilize this partnership to efficiently complete their degree.

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Area electric co-ops receive loans for upgrades

A total of $57 million in federal loans has been awarded to two North Dakota electrical cooperatives for improvements to electrical infrastructure in their service areas.

The loans are made available through the USDA-Rural Development Rural Utilities Service. They are:

– North Central Electric Co-op, Bottineau: $30 million in federal loans will be made available with over $800,000 reserved for smart grid technology.

– Burke-Divide Electric Co-op, Columbus: $27 million in federals loans will be made available with over $2 million reserved for smart grid technology.

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Test launch of Minuteman III conducted

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. A team of Air Force Global Strike Command airmen from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle Wednesday at 5:45 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time from Vandenberg AFB, Calif.

The ICBM’s reentry vehicle, which contained a telemetry package used for operational testing, traveled about 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.

Test launches are conducted with randomly selected ICBMs from one of three missile bases, located at F.E. Warren, Malmstrom AFB in Montana, and Minot AFB. While at Vandenberg AFB, launch teams work under the direction of Global Strike Command’s 576th Flight Test Squadron and receive launch and range support from Air Force Space Command’s 30th Space Wing.

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Summons issued requiring Hunt to appear in court

The Ward County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a motion last week to quash a warrant ordering the arrest of former Minot State University football player Bradley Hunt on an aggravated assault charge. Instead, a summons requiring Hunt to appear in court at a future date was issued, according to court records. No hearing date has been set.

“On October 7, 2015, the State received information from defense counsel detailing recent and complex injuries which require intensive care,” wrote Assistant State’s Attorney Joshua Traiser in the motion. “Given the nature of the Defendant’s injuries, the State is concerned that the defendant will have a difficult time getting the medical care he needs while in the Ward County Jail.”

Hunt is charged with aggravated assault, a Class B felony; two counts of simple assault, both class B misdemeanors, and one count of refusing to halt, a Class B misdemeanor. The charges are related to a physical altercation that occurred at the Flickertail Gardens, which are located at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds, on July 24. The incident reportedly happened shortly after a Keith Urban concert at the fairgrounds. The alleged victim, Matthew Lohman, reportedly suffered significant brain trauma. Hunt, a Woodland Hills, Calif., native, is no longer a student at Minot State University. Hunt was seriously injured in a car accident that occurred two days after the altercation and was treated at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Andrea Johnson

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Weltikol charged with terrorizing

A preliminary hearing date has been set for Nov. 19 for Tyler Duane Weltikol. Weltikol, 32, of the Minot area, is charged with Class C felony terrorizing for allegedly threatening another man with a handgun last Friday.

According to court documents, Weltikol banged on his neighbor’s apartment bedroom window at about 6 a.m. on Friday and waved a handgun around. Weltikol allegedly told his neighbor that he had “19 rounds for him.” The neighbor told police he was so afraid that he ran and grabbed a gun inside his apartment and hid in his bathroom because he feared for his life. Police arrived and reportedly saw Weltikol just outside his ground floor apartment deck, standing in the grass pacing back and forth. The loaded handgun was found laying on a table on the deck of his apartment about two feet away from Weltikol, according to the affidavit.

Andrea Johnson

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Pretrial conference held for Peltier

ROLLA A pretrial conference was held Monday in Northeast District Court in Rolla for Permis Peltier, 29, Dunseith.

Peltier is charged with assault while fleeing a police officer for allegedly driving over the legs of a Rolette County Sheriff’s deputy on March 27 at the entrance of San Haven in Rolette County. The charge is a Class B felony. He is also charged with driving while his license was suspended, a Class B misdemeanor. A Class B misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief was dismissed in September.

A listing on the North Dakota Supreme Court website does not show a date for the next court appearance for Peltier.

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Eagles concern wind project

BISMARCK The North Dakota Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing in Rolette on Nov. 2 to gather additional information about the impact to eagles from the proposed Rolette Wind Project. The hearing begins at 10 a.m. in Memorial Hall.

Public comments will be limited to whether adverse effects on eagle health and safety will be managed and maintained to an acceptable minimum.

Rolette Power Development, LLC, has filed an application for the Rolette Wind Power Project. The project will have the capacity of up to 100 megawatts and would consist of up to 59 wind turbines and additional facilities. The initial public hearing for this project was held June 29 in Rolette. Following the hearing, information was received clarifying that active eagle nests had been identified in the vicinity of the project area. Because of the additional information, it was deemed necessary to hold a second hearing to address this topic.

The wind project would encompass about 14,720 acres three miles south of Rolette. Estimated cost of the project is $175 million.

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Weltikol charged with terrorizing

Tyler Weltikol, 33, of the Minot area, was arrested Friday in the 2700 block of Fifth Street Northwest for allegedly threatening another man with a handgun, according to a Minot police press release.

Weltikol was taken into custody without incident. According to the press release, Weltikol had a handgun in his possession, which police seized.

Weltikol was charged with terrorizing, a Class C felony and taken to the Ward County Jail.

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Man stabbed during altercation

A man was stabbed during an altercation Friday evening at 701-6th St. NE in Minot, according to a Minot police press release issued on Saturday morning.

The man was taken to Trinity Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The physical altercation involved between six and eight people.

The identity of the victim was not immediately released. Capt. John Klug said police do not release the names of victims and the incident is still under investigation.

Klug said no one was arrested directly in connection with the stabbing. However, Klug said Leonard John McCauley, 23, was arrested on an outstanding warrant through Ward County.

Andrea Johnson

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Police arrest man charged with attempted murder

BISMARCK (AP) – Authorities have arrested a Bismarck man accused of shooting an acquaintance in the chest during a dispute over money.

The Bismarck Police Department said that 39-year-old Cheston Pendleton was arrested early Saturday morning without incident.

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Dotson is sentenced for human trafficking, GSI

Antoine William Dotson, 23, of Tucson, Ariz., will serve 10 years in prison for gross sexual imposition, human trafficking, and aggravated assault.

He was sentenced to 20 years on the gross sexual imposition charge, with 10 years suspended; to 20 years on the human trafficking charge, with 10 years suspended, and five years on the aggravated assault charge. All three sentences will run concurrently. Terrorizing and refusing to halt charges were dismissed against Dotson.

Dotson will be on supervised probation for five years after his release from prison. He will also be required to complete sex offender treatment.

Dotson changed his plea to guilty to the charges on Wednesday, according to a listing on the North Dakota Supreme Court website.

According to court documents, Dotson was arrested June 28 after his girlfriend accused him of forcing her into prostitution, holding her captive in a Minot hotel for a week, sexually and physically assaulting her and threatening her life.

Andrea Johnson

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Minot gets funds for water projects

The city of Minot recently was awarded funding from the North Dakota State Water Commission for a new northside water tower and transmission line.

The commission approved about $3.6 million toward the projects totaling $6.2 million. The funds cover 60 percent of the construction portion of the total, city public works director Dan Jonasson said.

Work on the $2.1 million transmission line will be completed next year. It will continue the line along 30th Avenue Northeast to connect with a line along 46th Avenue Northeast.

The $4.1 million water tower will take two construction seasons to complete. At 1.5 million gallons, the water storage tower will be the city’s largest. The tower will ensure adequate fire protection for development in north Minot that includes additional housing and a new middle school.

Jill Schramm

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Officer on restricted duty following shooting last month

James Jabara, the Minot police officer who shot a 32-year-old Minot man during a struggle on Sept. 13, is on restricted duty while the Bureau of Criminal Investigation continues to investigate the incident, said Capt. John Klug.

Officers responded to the 3300 block of 11th Street Southeast on the evening of Sept. 13 to investigate a report of a suspicious person, according to Klug. Jabara approached the man and was attempting to identify him when he fled. Jabara caught the man and was involved in a physical altercation with the man, leading to the man being shot during the struggle. The man who was shot sustained a non-life threatening injury and was treated at Trinity Hospital.

The name of the wounded man, his current condition and whether any charges were fired against him has not been released.

Andrea Johnson

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Ground breaking scheduled for the Maysa expansion

The Minot Park District will be holding a ground breaking ceremony for the third rink addition at the Maysa Arena. The ground breaking will take place on the east side of the Maysa Arena today at 4 p.m.

“This ground breaking is a celebration of a group of individuals who have worked very hard to make this dream a reality,” said Ron Merritt, executive director of the Minot Park District. “This will be a great addition to our community and to the quality of life that Minot has to offer.”

Maysa Arena is home to the Magic City Figure Skating Club, Minot Minotauros Junior Hockey Team, Minot State University mens and womens hockey teams, Minot Hockey Boosters and Minot High School girls and boys hockey teams.

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Tudor appears for neglicent homicide charge

Heather Tudor, 44, Velva, made an initial appearance in Northwest District Court on Tuesday, according to a listing on the North Dakota Supreme Court website.

Tudor is charged with negligent homicide, a Class C felony, in the near drowning last summer of 5-year-old Gracelyn Aschenbrenner. Gracelyn died weeks after she was pulled from the Velva public pool on June 8.

Tudor is also facing charges of child neglect, a Class C felony, and operating a child care facility without a license, a Class B misdemeanor.

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Completion of Williston bypass celebrated

WILLISTON State and local officials celebrated the completion of the third and final phase of Williston’s permanent truck reliever route Wednesday. The 13-mile-long bypass is designed to divert regional truck traffic around the western edge of the city to ease traffic congestion and improve roadway safety.

“This truck route is another example of our ongoing commitment to addressing the public infrastructure needs in western North Dakota and throughout the entire state,” said Gov. Jack Dalrymple. “With more than 29,000 vehicles traveling through this area each day, the Williston bypass will provide a more safe and efficient roadway for both regional and local traffic. We still have much work ahead, but North Dakota continues to make great progress.”

The state invested about $150 million to build the 13-mile, four-lane bypass which routes truck traffic west of Williston, connecting U.S. Highway 85 and U.S. Highway 2. The state has invested a total of $420 million solely on the construction of truck routes that serve the communities of Williston, Watford City, Alexander, New Town, Dickinson and Killdeer.

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Myers appointed as U.S. Attorney

Christopher Myers has been appointed as interim U.S. Attorney for North Dakota, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.

Myers is a 1987 graduate of Fargo North High School and 1992 graduate of North Dakota State University. He earned his law degree and master of public administration from Drake University in 1995.

Myers has been with the U.S. Attorney’s office nearly 14 years. Since 2013 he has served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney until becoming Acting U.S. Attorney on March 13, 2015. Prior to becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2002, Myers served as the Chief Assistant Clay County Attorney from 1998-2002. He has also served as an Assistant Cass County States Attorney and a Special Agent with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Procedurally, after 120 days Chief United States District Judge Ralph Erickson will determine if the appointment should continue. If approved, Myers will serve as U.S. Attorney until the President of the United States nominates a U.S. Attorney for North Dakota and the United States Senate confirms the nominee pursuant to Title 28, United States Code, Section 541.

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Part D enrollment help available

BISMARCK-The North Dakota Insurance Department will be offering counseling to assist residents during the open enrollment for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, which begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7.

The department’s State Health Insurance Counseling Program staff is traveling to seven cities, offering free assistance in switching or enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan. The Minot session will be held Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Grand Hotel.

Consumers attending an event who have been given a yellow drug retrieval card should bring it to the event for expedited service. Consumers also need to bring a list of their medications, including dosages and frequency.

Eligible North Dakotans who are unable to attend a Part D enrollment event can call 2-1-1 by Nov. 20. Have your medication information ready. The top two or three plan choices will be mailed to beneficiaries. People also can visit www.medicare.gov and enter your information in the Plan Finder tool. On the homepage, click the green button labeled “find health and drug plans.”

“Companies often make changes to the plans they offer, so I encourage Medicare beneficiaries to compare their Part D plans to be sure they’re enrolled in the one that’s best for them,” North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm said.

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Car hits train near Surrey, driver charges pending

SURREY Burlington Northern Railroad notified Minot Central Dispatch that a vehicle struck an east bound freight train at 8:48 a.m. Tuesday at the 125th Street crossing southeast of Surrey. The train crew reported that a vehicle struck the side of the train as it passed by.

It was reported that the car turned and fled the scene southbound on 125th Street. The vehicle was later located abandoned behind a business in the 7200 block of Highway 2 East.

The driver of the vehicle, 24-year-old Sydney Fennell of Minot, turned herself in to the Ward County Sheriff’s Department at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday. Neither Fennell nor her 4-year-old passenger were injured in the crash. The 2005 Chrysler Sebring operated by Fennell was a total loss. There was no significant damage to the train or injuries to the train crew.

Charges were pending Tuesday afternoon against Fennell for several driving violations.

Oak & Roosevelt parks reopen

Both Oak Park and Roosevelt Park in Minot were scheduled to reopen Tuesday. The parks were closed Monday because of the high winds.

Minot Park District crews were continuing to clean debris left behind by the wind.

Man injured when vehicle hits power pole

ROLLA A Rolla man was injured when he failed to negotiate a curve in a road, drove off the road and hit a power line pole.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol identified the driver of the 2002 Kia Sedona as Maynard Lenior, 64.

The accident happened at 5:42 p.m. Monday at N.D. Highway 30 and 102nd Street NE, two miles north of Rolla.

The Highway Patrol said the intersection was closed for two hours until the power line crew arrived. The power line pole was damaged but did not require immediate replacement.

Lenoir was taken to Presentation Medical Center in Rolla for treatment and later flown to Trinity Hospital in Minot for continued treatment.

Lenoir was charged with DUI and driving under suspension/revocation.

Review begins for Shell’s proposed oil-by-rail project

ANACORTES, Wash. (AP) – Washington state and Skagit County officials are beginning an environmental review of a proposed oil-by-rail project at the Shell Puget Sound Refinery near Anacortes.

Royal Dutch Shell wants to build a rail spur from existing railroad tracks to handle about 60,000 barrels of crude oil a day, or a maximum of six trains a week.

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Trial set on sex charge

WILLISTON A jury trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 23 in Northwest District Court in Williston for Jeremy Alan Schoen, 35, who is charged with Class AA felony gross sexual imposition and simple assault, domestic violence.

Schoen, whose address is given as Davisburg, Mich., is accused of forcibly holding a woman down and performing an unwanted sexual act on her last June in Watford City. Just prior to this, Schoen and the woman reportedly had engaged in consensual sexual activity, according to a police affidavit filed with the court. According to the police affidavit, a medical exam found injuries consistent with the woman’s story. Schoen has claimed the woman also consented to the sexual act and has pleaded not guilty.

Schoen was in court on Thursday for a pre-trial conference.

Andrea Johnson

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Hardaway receives 10 year sentence

Michael Ellis Hardaway, 40, Flaxton, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with five years suspended, for sexually assaulting an underage girl in April 2013.

Hardaway appeared in court before North Central District Court Judge Gary Lee in Minot on Thursday.

Under a plea deal worked out with the prosecutor, Hardaway pleaded guilty to sexual imposition, a Class B felony. The charge was initially felony Class AA gross sexual imposition, a charge that carried with it a penalty of up to life in prison without parole.

He pleaded guilty in May to endangerment of a child, a Class C felony, which took place in June 2012.

Hardaway was sentenced to five years in prison on that charge. His five year sentence on the sexual assault charge will run consecutively with the sentence for endangerment of a child. With credit for time served, Hardaway will serve about 10 years in prison before he is eligible to be released. Five years of supervised probation will follow his release from prison. Hardaway will also be required to obtain sex offender treatment and to register as a sex offender.

Under the plea deal, the state also agreed to drop a Class C felony terrorizing charge, three contributing to the delinquency of a minor charges, all Class A misdemeanors, and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, a Class B felony.

Burke County State’s Attorney Amber Fiesel explained to Lee that the plea deal was negotiated with input from the victim, who is now an adult and has moved out of the area. The victim was traumatized and “did not want to go through (this) again,” said Fiesel.

Andrea Johnson

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Jury trial for Venker canceled

WILLISTON A listing on the Northwest District Court site notes that a jury trial for Robert Venker has been canceled due to a change of plea.

Venker, 45, of New Castle, Del., who is accused of kidnapping and forcibly raping a woman in Williston in September 2006, is scheduled to go on trial later this month in Northwest District Court in Williston.

Venker is charged with Class AA gross sexual imposition, Class A gross sexual imposition, kidnapping, a Class B felony, and indecent exposure, a Class A misdemeanor.

A conviction on the Class AA felony could carry a penalty of up to life in prison without parole. There is a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison and lifetime supervised probation. A Class A felony carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. A Class B felony carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A Class A misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $3,000 fine.

The jury trial was origially scheduled for later this month.

The Williams County State’s Attorney’s office declined to provide information about the nature of the change of plea on Wednesday.

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Dumas and Rogers Charges dismissed

The cases against Thomas McGrown Dumas and Calvin Rogers Jr. will be dismissed, said a representative from the Ward County State’s Attorneys Office.

The two men were facing Class AA felony conspiracy to commit murder charges in connection with the shooting of a Minot man in July 2013. The victim survived the shooting. Dumas and Rogers were scheduled to be in court Wednesday for a pre-trial conference.

James Curr Robinson Jr., 36, was sentenced to nine years in prison Tuesday for conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the case.

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Man not injured in kit plane-tractor crash

BOTTINEAU A Bottineau man was not injured when the kit plane he was flying struck a tractor with swather and hay roller Tuesday night.

According to a North Dakota Highway Patrol news release, Charles Refling, 66, was circling a field three-quarters of a mile northwest of Bottineau at about 5,000 feet with his 2015 Vans RV-8 kit plane. Refling was breaking in the plane’s new motor. During the flight the plane’s motor died. Refling indicated he kept trying to get the plane started but wasn’t able to get it to fire. He was flying southeast and touched down on the edge of a partially-cut barley field, about 100 yards north of a parked tractor and swather. Refling’s aircraft went airborne again and touched down about 46 feet in front of the tractor.

Refling attempted to turn left, and the wing tip struck the grill and left front tire of the tractor. The right wing hit the center of the swather reel, and the nose of the plane struck the right edge of the swather. The plane spun clockwise and the left wing hit the hay roller, with the plane coming to rest.

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Ribbon cutting set for Woodland Trail

The Minot Park District will be holding a ribbon cutting for the new Woodland Trail project. The Woodland Trail is a three-quarter mile looped aggregate trail that provides great access for birders and outdoor enthusiasts. The trail also provides recreation opportunities with shoreline fishing or from one of the seasonal fishing piers.

The ribbon cutting is set for Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Woodland Trail head. The trail is located just off the U.S. Highway 52 Bypass between Capital RV and the Dakota Bark Park.

“We are very excited for the completion of the Woodland Trail,” said Ron Merritt, executive director of the Minot Park District. “It is a project made possible by some great community partners including the Outdoor Heritage Fund and Minot Area Community Foundation.”

“The Industrial Commission was pleased to provide funding for this project as it meets the directives of the Outdoor Heritage Fund to support conservation and greater access for sportsmen,” said Gov. Jack Dalrymple. “These projects enhance our quality of life, and we thank the Minot community for their vision in making this area accessible for outdoor activities.” The Industrial Commission, which oversees the Outdoor Heritage Fund, consists of Dalrymple as chairman, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.

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Police: Breslin left willingly

The Minot Police Department has collected several pieces of information indicating that Matthew Breslin, 27, willingly made the decision to go missing from the Minot area and has taken steps to not be found, according to police.

Police say there is no evidence of foul play and no indications that he is in danger.

Minot police found a vehicle belonging to Breslin in the parking lot at Dakota Square Mall near Barnes & Noble at about 9:50 p.m. Sept. 29. Police also found Breslin’s cell phone in the vehicle. According to police, Breslin had not been heard from since 4 a.m. Sept. 27. He did not show up for work and his cell phone was shut off.

While the police department will not be releasing any specific details about the information received or this investigation, police say they are continuing to follow up on any leads and hope to locate Breslin and speak to him to ensure he is all right. If anyone knows Breslin’s whereabouts, they are asked to contact the Minot Police Department at 852-0111.

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Defense bill passes Senate

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed the fiscal year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, according to Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.The bill passed with a vote of 70 to 27. The House approved the bill last week.

The bill includes priorities for Minot Air Force Base including fully authorizing the fiscal year 2016 budget request for the intercontinental ballistic missile and B-52 missions.

The legislation now goes to the president, who has threatened to veto it.

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Treats for the Troops

Souris Valley Dental Group will hold their seventh annual Halloween Candy Buy Back project, Treats for the Troops.

Souris Valley Dental staff will buy back kids’ Halloween candy as a way to benefit both the soldiers from the area serving abroad and to help young people protect their oral health.

All area kids are encouraged to select a few pieces of their favorite candy to keep for themselves and sell the rest to Souris Valley Dental Group. They are also encouraged to send along a little note or piece of artwork to send to the soldiers. The candy will be packaged and sent to troops to give them a small reminder of home and to say thanks for their service and sacrifice.

Trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to Souris Valley Dental and receive $1 per pound in cash. The dentists and staff will also be giving away gift cards and glowing electric toothbrushes in exchange for candy.

Candy will be collected on Monday, Nov. 2, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Souris Valley Dental, located at 1300-37th Ave. SW, one block south of the YMCA.

For more information, call Souris Valley Dental at 852-5595 or visit their website at sourisvalleydental.com.

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Downtown’s Third Street SE to close today

Starting today, Third Street Southeast, from the railroad tracks near First Avenue to Burdick Expressway, will be closed to traffic.

Strata Corp. crews and subcontractors will be placing new manholes, laying new 72-inch and 48-inch storm water pipes across Third Street at three separate points, and lowering and upsizing three water lines under the roadway. The work is anticipated to take as much as four weeks, weather dependent.

This is one of the last roads affected in the 2015 phasing for the downtown infrastructure improvements project,” said Lance Meyer, Minot city engineer. The contractor plans to work Saturdays and Sundays to minimize the length of the disruption.

Drivers are encouraged to follow posted detour signs directing traffic around this area.

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Trial for Venker set this month

WILLISTON Robert Venker, 45, of New Castle, Del., who is accused of kidnapping and forcibly raping a woman in Williston in September 2006, is scheduled to go on trial later this month in Northwest District Court in Williston.

Venker is charged with Class AA gross sexual imposition, Class A gross sexual imposition, kidnapping, a Class B felony, and indecent exposure, a Class A misdemeanor.

A conviction on the Class AA felony could carry a penalty of up to life in prison without parole. There is a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison and lifetime supervised probation. A Class A felony carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. A Class B felony carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A Class A misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $3,000 fine.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for Oct. 12 before Judge David Nelson. A jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 19-23.

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Soybean, potato, sugar beet harvests progress

FARGO (AP) – The harvests of soybeans, potatoes and sugar beets in North Dakota have made big jumps over the past week.

The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop report that 53 percent of sugar beets, 70 percent of soybeans and 79 percent of potatoes are harvested. All are well ahead of the average pace.

The corn harvest remains behind average, however, at just 6 percent done.

The seeding of winter wheat has progressed to 89 percent complete. Winter wheat is seeded in the fall and harvested the following summer.

Pasture and range conditions statewide are rated 48 percent good to excellent. Stock water supplies are 78 percent adequate to surplus.

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Change of plea hearing set for Palm

STANLEY A change of plea hearing has been scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Jan. 14 in North Central District Court in Stanley for a 30-year-old Plaza man who is accused of downloading child pornography from the Internet.

Brandon Dean Palm is charged with possession of certain materials prohibited (child pornography), a Class C felony.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed with the court, an IP address attributed to Palm was associated with 118 unique files of suspected child pornography on a peer-to-peer sharing network between May 27, 2014, and Jan. 5, 2015.

Palm allegedly admitted to downloading and viewing the porn during an interview with investigators.

Palm was charged with the crime last January. A Class C felony carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Andrea Johnson

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Farmers produce more spring, durum wheat

FARGO (AP) – North Dakota farmers this year produced more spring wheat and durum wheat than last year but less winter wheat.

The Agriculture Department’s annual small grains summary estimates North Dakota spring wheat production at 319 million bushels, up 9 percent from 2014, and durum wheat production at 42.5 million bushels, up 50 percent. Average yield for both crops set records.

The state’s winter wheat production is pegged at 8.4 million bushels, down 69 percent.

Oat production in North Dakota this year is up 35 percent, to 10.4 million bushels. Barley production is up 87 percent, to 67.2 million bushels.

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North Dakota getting federal mine safety grant

BISMARCK (AP) – North Dakota’s Department of Career and Technical Education is getting a share of $8.4 million in federal grant funding to reduce mining accidents and injuries and for training programs.

The grants from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration are aimed at providing miners with federally mandated training. Career and Technical Education is in line for $90,524 in funding.

The government says the grants cover training of miners working at surface and underground coal and metal and nonmetal mines, including sand and gravel mines.

The funding announced this week is headed to 47 states and the Navajo Nation. States first received funding to provide this kind of training in 1971.

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Woman arrested with 430 pills

A Minot woman was arrested with 430 oxycodone pills, according to a news release from the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Precious Nicole Bailey, 29, was arrested last Saturday for an outstanding warrant and driving under suspension. She was found possessing the oxycodone pills. The pills have an estimated street value of $25,800. Bailey was charged with intent to deliver.

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Change of plea hearing for Jensen

A change of plea hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday in North Central District Court in Minot for a Kenmare woman accused of murdering her son in January 2014.

Jessica Jensen, 36, is charged with Class AA murder in the death of her 13-year-old son, Aidan Edward Bossingham. She is also charged with child abuse or neglect, a Class C felony, and failure to report a death of a child, a Class C felony. Aidan, who weighed 21 pounds, died from chronic starvation due to untreated juvenile appetite disorder. According to court documents, the boy had last seen a doctor in November 2008.

In July, North Central District Court Gary Lee rejected a proposed plea deal that would have called for Jensen to serve 16 years in prison for the alleged crime.

Lee had also ruled against a defense motion to change the venue for the trial. At a hearing held earlier this week, Lee said he wanted to see first if a panel of suitable jurors could be found in Ward County. He had said the trial would likely be held in April 2016.

Andrea Johnson

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Car belonging to missing man found

Minot police found a vehicle belonging to missing Matthew Breslin, 27, in the parking lot at Dakota Square Mall near Barnes & Noble at about 9:50 p.m. Tuesday. Police also found Breslin’s cell phone in the vehicle.

According to a police press release, Breslin has not been heard from since 4 a.m. Sunday. He did not show up for work and his cell phone was shut off.

Breslin is 6 feet tall, about 190 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

If anyone sees Breslin, call the Minot Police Department at 852-0111.

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Grants support Turtle Mountain programs

Cankdeska Cikana Community College and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa have been awarded grants to support programs to improve health and family relations, according to the North Dakota congressional delegation.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services distributed $1.27 million to the college’s “Next Steps” project to expand training opportunities for Native Americans in the health care field through educational support services, mentoring and child-care assistance. The tribe will receive $999,999 to support the Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood Program, which works to help fathers develop communication and parenting skills to improve relationships with their children while also providing job training and other employment services to improve the financial well-being of the children.

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Fire damages Williston meat shop

WILLISTON (AP) – Authorities say a fire at a Williston meat shop most likely was accidental.

Fire Chief Jason Catrambone said 26 firefighters responded to the blaze at Walt’s Market about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, just as employees were leaving for the night. No injuries were immediately reported.

Firefighters extinguished the flames in less than 20 minutes, after which investigators took over to try to determine what started the fire.

There was no immediate word on the cause or on the amount of damage.

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Higher education votes to reduce fees

FARGO (AP) – The North Dakota Board of Higher Education has voted to reduce the projected increase in student fees at Williston State College by 50 percent beginning in the spring of 2016.

The college raised its overall cost of tuition, room, board and fees by nearly $15,000 this school year due in part to the higher cost of doing business in the oil patch. The college says it’s also trying to maintain its bond rating.

Some lawmakers complained it was effort to sidestep their plans to make college more affordable.

North Dakota University System Chancellor Larry Hagerott says the increase was not an effort to circumvent the Legislature, but believes system officials need to do a better job of communicating with lawmakers.

The motion allows the college to decide where to cut.

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Crime bureau adding to agent force

BISMARCK (AP) – The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is hiring nine new agents this fall and stationing many of them in the western oil patch, where crime is increasing.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said two of the new agents will be based in Williston, working cases involving Internet crimes against children.

Three of the agents will be based in Bismarck, two at a new field office to open in Watford City and one apiece in Dickinson and Jamestown.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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