Author: Jim Monk

North Dakota’s Horse Pasture Fire now 50% contained

Photo: Arnegard Fire Protection District THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK (KVRR) – Firefighters say the Horse Pasture Fire in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is 50% contained. At this time, no structure damage has been reported, but officials say the CCC campground and other park infrastructure are still at risk, as well as some private homes on the…

Expert: Chauvin never took knee off Floyd’s neck

MINNEAPOLIS – A use-of-force expert says Derek Chauvin’s weight was bearing down from his knee and pushing into George Floyd’s neck the entire time that he was handcuffed behind his back and lying face-down. Jody Stiger is a Los Angeles Police Department sergeant serving as a prosecution expert. Stiger testified Wednesday that his review of video evidence found that Chauvin’s…

North Dakota House approves Juneteenth holiday

THE BILL'S NEXT STOP IS GOV. DOUG BURGUM'S DESK

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – The North Dakota House has voted in favor of the state officially observing Juneteenth. The holiday commemorates June 19,1865, when slavery officially ended in the United States.  Juneteenth is observed by 47 states. West Fargo Republican Rep. Austen Schauer supports the holiday. “The holiday does not include a mandatory day off for private or public employees. …

Captain resigns, chief deputy retiring from Cass County Sheriff’s Office

FARGO (KVRR/KFGO) – A top administrator in the Cass County Sheriff’s Office has left the department. Sheriff Jesse Jahner says he reluctantly accepted the resignation of Capt. Mitch Burris earlier this month. Burris, who’d been with the department for more than 33 years, says the job has become much more difficult in recent years, with civil unrest and people viewing…

Some residents with health issues advised to limit time outdoors

Western ND wildfiresBISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality is advising residents with respiratory conditions to consider limiting outdoor activities in areas affected by wildfires. Smoky conditions currently exist downwind of a wildfire in Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit. The agency says extremely small particles of ash, soot and particulate matter have been increasing.  Particulate…

Minnesota House Democrats unveil package of budget bills

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota House Democrats have unveiled legislation that calls for more spending on education and recovery for those most affected by the pandemic while increasing taxes on wealthy residents and large companies. The package of legislation follows the $52.5 billion budget targets released by House Democrats late last month, which is more than both Democratic Gov. Tim…