Author: Jim Monk

Legal fund started for Minnesota businesses who plan to defy Walz’s COVID-19 restrictions

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) – Minnesota business owners who plan to open this week in defiance of Gov. Tim Walz’s coronavirus-related restrictions have started a GoFundMe account to cover legal fees. The group named ReOpen Minnesota hopes to raise $100,000. On its Facebook page, ReOpen Minnesota called for “a complete revocation of Gov. Walz’s emergency powers.” The group’s statement says…

Judge denies early release for Fargo man imprisoned for child pornography

Robert ScheiringFARGO (KVRR) – A federal judge has turned down a Fargo man’s request to be released from prison because of COVID-19 concerns. Fifty-four-year-old Robert Scheiring was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child pornography. Scheiring claims he’s at high risk for exposure to the virus because of his age and…

Workers arrive in northern Minnesota to build pipeline

PALISADE, Minn. – More than 4,000 workers are expected in northern Minnesota over the next couple weeks to build the Line 3 oil pipeline replacement. Opponents of the pipeline have escalated their attempts to block construction, while local law enforcement is focused on keeping the peace. Construction has ramped up quickly on Line 3 since Enbridge Energy received its final…

Minnesota could free man serving life in child’s 2002 death

Myon BurrellMINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota’s pardon board will consider freeing a man who was imprisoned for life as a teenager in the 2002 death of a girl who was hit by a stray bullet while doing homework at her dining room table. Earlier this year, The Associated Press and American Public Media uncovered new evidence in the police investigation. Those findings…

North Dakota reports 13 more coronavirus deaths

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – The North Dakota Department of Health on Tuesday reported 13 additional deaths from COVID-19. There are currently 3,230 active cases in the state, a decrease of 362 since Monday.  277 people are hospitalized. Cass County reported the largest number of new cases with 80. BY THE NUMBERS  3,675 – Total Tests from Yesterday* 1,237,350 – Total tests…

85-year-old woman pleads not guilty in pedestrian death

BERTHA HARPER'S TRIAL IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN MARCH

BISMARCK, N.D. – An 85-year-old Bismarck woman accused of driving away from a June collision in which a pedestrian died has pleaded not guilty. Bertha Harper is charged with negligent homicide and failure to report the incident that authorities say led to the death of 33-year-old Amber Rebel. Police say video from a nearby business showed Harper’s vehicle leaving the…

West Fargo to discuss special assessments for Sheyenne Street project

North Sheyenne St. Corridor ReconstructionWEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The West Fargo Special Assessment Commission will hold a virtual meeting Friday to discuss preliminary special assessment plans for the north Sheyenne Street corridor reconstruction project. The project includes replacement of aging or undersized water mains, sanitary sewers and storm sewers. The utility work was not initially part of the project….

North Dakota officially awards electoral votes to Trump

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota’s presidential electors have officially awarded the state’s three electoral votes to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. The state’s three electors – Sandy Boehler of Fargo, Robert Wefald of Bismarck and John Trandem of Reiles Acres – met in the Capitol building’s Prairie Room on Monday in one of the final steps of…

Minnesota lawmakers pass aid for businesses, workers

ST. PAUL – Minnesota lawmakers have convened to pass a package of coronavirus relief measures for businesses and workers who took the biggest hit from a four-week “pause” ordered by Gov. Tim Walz. Leaders agreed last week on a $216 million grant program for businesses such as bars and restaurants. Lawmakers reached a deal Sunday night for a 13-week extension…