Author: Jim Monk

Burgum orders state agencies to evaluate impacts of Biden energy directives

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order Tuesday directing state agencies to determine the impacts of President Biden’s executive orders on North Dakota’s energy industry and to identify opportunities to challenge Biden’s orders. “The Biden administration’s recent executive orders pose a serious threat to American energy security, our nation’s economic growth and the tens of thousands…

House proposal would raise North Dakota gas tax 6 cents

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota lawmakers are considering adding another 6 cents to the state’s 23-cent a-gallon gas tax. The House Finance and Taxation Committee has endorsed the hike to help pay for improvements to roads and bridges. A higher fuels tax is expected to bring in tens of millions of dollars more annually, with the bulk going to a…

LSS of Minnesota to manage senior companion service in North Dakota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) – Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota has taken over the Senior Companion Program in North Dakota, assuring that essential support through this service continues for older adults. The change was a result of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota’s recent closure due to financial problems. The Senior Companion Program, funded by AmeriCorps Seniors, matches trained companion…

Lawmakers recommend approval for North Dakota public schools to display Ten Commandments

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – A North Dakota legislative committee is recommending that lawmakers approve a measure that would allow local school districts to post the Ten Commandments. Edinburg Republican Sen. Janna Myrdal sponsored the measure. Myrdal said the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution based on the Ten Commandments. “We need to get back to it” Mydal said. Grand Forks Democratic…

Bill requires North Dakota’s health officer to be a physician

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Legislature is considering a measure that requires the state health officer to be a practicing licensed physician. The Republican-backed bill comes after three health officers chosen by Gov. Doug Burgum quit during a time the coronavirus pandemic was worsening. Dirk Wilke, who has no medical training, has been the interim state health officer since…

North Dakota bill wipes records clean for drunken drivers

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota House has endorsed a bill requiring the state’s courts to seal drunken driving records if the offender stays out of trouble for at least seven years. Representatives voted 89-3 on Monday to approve the bill that backers said was aimed at giving convicted drunken drivers who stay out of trouble better odds of getting…

Virginia man smuggled 171 lb of waterfowl from Canada to North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – A Virginia man has been ordered to pay a $7,500 fine and sentenced to two years’ probation for smuggling 171 pounds of migratory waterfowl meat through the Port of Entry at Portal, N.D. U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley says 52-year-old Gene Childers of Seaford, VA transported approximately 207 birds over the border.  Childers was charged with Unlawful…

Dog taken in stolen vehicle found, reunited with family

“Violet”ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – A dog that was inside a vehicle when it was stolen in Woodbury, Minn. over the weekend has been reunited with her family. Violet, a female labradoodle, was inside her family’s black Lexus GK SUV when it was stolen from the Walgreens Sunday morning, according to the Woodbury Police Department. It was one of…

North Dakota House okays bill to lower underage drinking penalties

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – The North Dakota House has passed a measure that would lower the penalties for underage drinkers and minors who buy or possess alcohol. Fargo Representative Shannon Roers-Jones says the bill would reclassify underage alcohol offenses from a misdemeanor to an infraction.  It also lowers the maximum penalty from a $1,500 fine and 30 days in jail…

Bill would include spoons, stericups in needle exchange program

(DEA photo)BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – The North Dakota House has passed a bill which would add spoons, stericups and cotton syringe filters to the needle exchange program. The vote in the Human Services Committee was 7 to 6 for a “do pass.” Fargo Democratic Representative Gretchen Dobervich supports the measure.  She says it would provide sterilized supplies that prevent the…