Author: TJ Nelson

Detroit Lakes Police Investigating Home Burglaries

In each case, the criminal entered through an unlocked door

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — Police in Detroit Lakes are investigating three home burglaries that happened while the homeowners slept. They all happened on the northwest side of town sometime between 4 and 5 in the morning on Sunday. In each case, the criminal entered through an unlocked door. Money, wallets and a shotgun were stolen during the burglaries. The shotgun…

“Real Men Wear Pink” Campaign: Maria’s Journey From Breast Cancer Diagnosis To Survival

Her Midlife Return To College To Become A Nurse Was Suddenly Interrupted

FARGO, ND — “I can’t tell this story over and over and over, I’m not ready for it,” said Maria Schmidt. It’s a feeling likely shared by thousands of women and men when they are first diagnosed with breast cancer. “Now, it’s part of who I am.” Maria is a proud breast cancer survivor. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month….

“Real Men Wear Pink” Campaign Begins With “Maria’s Journey” on KVRR

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

FARGO, ND — Maria Schmidt decided to make a career change and returned to college at UND only to have her plans interrupted by a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 40.  Hear how she fought back, beat cancer and got her degree on KVRR Local News at 9. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and you help fund…

Woman Who Had Been Drinking Crashes ATV Into Squad Car

Woman and Officers Were Taken To The Hospital

BEMIDJI, Minn. — Minnesota State Patrol says two Bemidji officers were hurt when an all-terrain vehicle crashed into their squad car during a chase. Authorities say the officers were trying to help with the pursuit of the ATV started by another officer when the ATV collided with their squad car early this morning. The two officers and the ATV driver…

If You’re Headed to the Twin Cities, Save Extra Time for a Potential Traffic Nightmare

I-35W between downtown Minneapolis and Crosstown Highway 62 will be shut down Friday night through Monday morning.

  MINNEAPOLIS — If you are headed to the Twin Cities this weekend, prepare yourself for a traffic nightmare. I-35W between downtown Minneapolis and Crosstown Highway 62 will be shut down Friday night through Monday morning. More than 100,000 people are expected to take in a Vikings game, a Twins game and the Twin Cities Marathon, all on Sunday. Gov….

Former Bemidji Assistant Principal Pleads Guilty to Child Porn

He was assistant principal for three years before resigning in April

BEMIDJI, Minn. — A former assistant principal at Bemidji Middle School has pleaded guilty to producing child porn. Thirty-five-year-old Brandon Bjerknes of Bemidji also admitted to a second count of coercion and enticement of a minor. Prosecutors say Bjerknes posed as a teenage boy and used social media to contact girls and boys and told them to send him explicit…

Police Nab Suspect After Attempted Robbery at Grand Forks C-Store

It is unclear if he had a weapon

GRAND FORKS, ND — A Grand Forks man is behind bars after attempting to rob Cenex on Gateway Drive. Police said 22-year-old Robert Smith Jr. entered the store around 3:45 this afternoon and demanded money. The clerk refused and Smith fled. It is unclear if he had a weapon. Employees followed Smith and he was arrested by officers a few…

Dakota Access Pipeline Makes $15 Million Donation to Help with Protest Costs

The state has approved $43 million in loans to cover the costs of the pipeline protests

  BISMARCK, ND — Governor Burgum has announced a major donation by Dakota Access Pipeline to help with costs incurred during the protests. The governor said the pipeline company wired $15 million to the state-owned Bank of North Dakota this afternoon to help pay down loans taken out by the Department of Emergency Services. The state has approved $43 million…

Senate Approves Judge Ralph Erickson to Serve on 8th U.S. Circuit Court

He was nominated by President Trump and introduced to the Judiciary Committee by Senators Heitkamp and Hoeven

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate has overwhelmingly approved Judge Ralph Erickson of Fargo to serve on the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He was nominated by President Trump and introduced to the Judiciary Committee by Senators Heitkamp and Hoeven. “It’s really great that his daughter Elizabeth could be here to see it,” said Sen. Hoeven. “Thank you Senator and…

Discussion Request Rejected Over ND Board of Higher Education Chancellor Mark Hagerott

Hagerott's request came on the heels of his decision to fire vice chancellor Lisa Feldner

BISMARCK, ND — The state Board of Higher Education has rejected a request for a special meeting to discuss the contract of Chancellor Mark Hagerott. Board member Mike Ness said that he wanted to talk about Hagerott and possible legal action that could be related to the events of the last couple of weeks.” Hagerott earlier this week asked for…