Author: Jim Monk

CDC says fully vaccinated can travel, no need to quarantine

NEW YORK – Add travel to the activities vaccinated Americans can enjoy again. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance Friday to say fully vaccinated people can travel within the U.S. without getting a COVID-19 test or going into quarantine. The agency previously cautioned against unnecessary travel even for vaccinated people. Vaccinated people should still wear a…

Strong economic growth continues in the region

OMAHA, Neb. – A new monthly survey of business leaders suggests that strong economic growth will continue over the next few months in nine Midwest and Plains states as businesses continue to recover from the pandemic. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, said businesses in the area have recovered about half of the roughly 120,000 jobs lost…

Update: Crews stop wildfire from spreading into Medora

BISMARCK, N.D. – Firefighters have stopped a wildfire from spreading in the western North Dakota tourist town of Medora, where its 100 residents were forced to evacuate. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damaged structures in the community, which is just outside Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Crews spared the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, home to the Medora Musical. The…

Six apply to fill vacant Moorhead City Council seat

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – Six residents have applied to fill the ward 2 City Council seat. The opening was created after former Mayor Johnathon Judd was appointed to a district court judge position in January by Governor Tim Walz. The City Council later appointed Ward 2 Council Member Shelly Carlson to be mayor. The applicants for the Ward 2 City…

North Dakota National Guard on standby for wildfire response

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – Gov. Doug Burgum has placed the North Dakota National Guard on standby to provide help if additional resources are needed to respond to a growing number of wildfires. In the event a statewide emergency is declared, the order enables National Guard members to support local, tribal, federal and state firefighting efforts.  It also makes firefighter training…

Police say so far, cocktail drugging claims not verified

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Fargo police say no specific people or locations have been linked to recent reports of people being drugged at various liquor establishments in downtown Fargo. Police say they’re investigating several reports of people who claim that illicit drugs were dropped into their drinks without their knowledge. Deputy Police Chief Joe Anderson says that while police take…

George Floyd’s girlfriend recalls the first time they met

Courteney RossMINNEAPOLIS – George Floyd’s girlfriend testified through tears Thursday about how they prayed together the first time they met in 2017 at a Salvation Army shelter where her son’s father was staying and Floyd was a security guard. Forty-five-year-old Courteney Ross said she was upset because her son’s father was not coming to the lobby to discuss their son’s…

Dangerous potential for wildfires continues

FARGO (KVRR) – The National Weather Service says to expect critical fire weather conditions across all of North Dakota, northwestern Minnesota and portions of South Dakota Thursday afternoon and evening. Forecasters say very dry air, gusty southerly winds, and dry vegetation will create dangerous conditions. Any fires that occur could spread rapidly and unpredictably. Categories: Local News, Minnesota News, North…

Burgum vetoes measure allowing bill introductions in December

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – Gov. Doug Burgum has vetoed a bill that would have allowed the Legislature to introduce, consider and vote on bills in the December organizational session, just as they would during the regular session. In his veto message to the Speaker of the House, Burgum said the measure attempts to “circumvent the Constitution.” Burgum said Article IV…

Border agent credited with saving man from brush fire

PORTAL, N.D. – A U.S. Border Patrol agent is credited with saving a man who was trapped in a brush fire along the North Dakota border with Canada. Officials say the agent assigned to the Portal Station was on patrol when he spotted smoke rising near the international border last Friday. As he went to investigate he saw a vehicle…