Author: Jim Monk

Caregiver pleads not guilty in death of toddler

WATERTOWN, S.D. – A Watertown woman has pleaded not guilty to felony charges in the death of a toddler who was in her care. A Codington County grand jury indicted 30-year-old Amanda Walder on one count of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree manslaughter and aggravated battery. First responders answered a call about an unconscious child at Walder’s unlicensed day…

Clay County Sheriff ‘inundated’ with theft reports

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting is asking property owners to help reduce a growing number of thefts across the county. In a social media post, the sheriff’s office says it’s been “inundated” with burglary and theft reports in recent months.  Investigators say the thieves have been targeting rural properties and rural residential and commercial construction sites. “These…

Superintendent in school van arrested for DUI

Michael GadboisKARLSTAD, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) – A school superintendent in northwestern Minnesota is facing a drunken driving charge after a Kittson County deputy said he found him in a school district van in the parking lot of a school building. Fifty-five-year-old Michael Gadbois is also charged with open bottle and having alcohol on school property. He was arrested Saturday. The deputy’s report…

Weapon confiscated from middle school student in Perham

PERHAM, Minn. (KVRR/KDLM) – A weapon was confiscated from a student Wednesday at Prairie Wind Middle School in Perham. The Perham-Dent Public School District says there was no indication of any threats made against students or staff members. “We understand that even the presence of a weapon can be alarming,” school officials said in a letter to parents.  “Due to…

Line 3 pipeline complete, will be operational Friday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Enbridge announced Wednesday that the upgrade and expansion of its Line 3 pipeline across Minnesota is complete and will become operational on Friday. The Canada-based company’s President and CEO Al Monaco said in a statement that the pipeline “will soon deliver the low-cost and reliable energy that people depend on every day.” The project was completed despite…

South Dakota AG reviewing Noem’s meeting with daughter

Jason RavnsborgSIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The South Dakota attorney general says he is reviewing concerns from state lawmakers over a meeting Gov. Kristi Noem held last year that included both her daughter and a state employee who was overseeing her daughter’s application to become a certified real estate appraiser. Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg said in a statement that he had…

Minnesota health care workers sue to block vaccine mandate

MINNEAPOLIS – Nearly 200 Minnesota health workers are suing their employers to block a pending requirement that they be vaccinated against COVID-19 or risk getting fired. The lawsuit was filed in federal court late Monday against federal officials and about 20 providers that operate hospitals and clinics across Minnesota. It contends the lack of alternatives to vaccination infringes on the…

Panel delays idea to split North Dakota House districts on reservations

BISMARCK, N.D. – A panel of lawmakers putting the final touches on North Dakota’s new legislative map has delayed action n a proposal to create separate House districts on two of the state’s five American Indian reservations. Some members of the 14-member Republican-led committee said Tuesday they wanted more legal guidance before voting on the motion. The committee is scheduled…

Airport authority wants improvement tax extended

Hector International AirportFARGO (KVRR/KFGO) – Fargo Airport Authority Chairman Erik Lind says he’ll ask the Fargo City Commission to reconsider its decision not to extend a tax that helps pay for airport construction. The tax has been collected for decades. But the city commission, on a 3-2 vote, decided earlier this month not extend the tax with concerns over the airport’s…