Crime

New Video Released in Casselton Train Derailment of 2013

An NTSB investigation puts the blame on a broken axle.

CASSELTON, N.D. — We now know the cause of the 2013 Casselton train derailment and explosion. An NTSB investigation puts the blame on a broken axle. “I just seen a bunch of stuff fly off the switch heater,” said the radio operator in the newly released video of the 2013 train derailment. It’s the crash and explosion that left it’s…

Three Recognized for Bravery After Fatal Accident on I-29

Anastacia Hermes of Kindred is a First Responder who received the Good Samaritan Award and the Highway Patrol Colonel's Award of Excellence

  COURTESY: Kindred Ambulance Service KINDRED, N.D. — Three people have been recognized for their heroic actions after a fiery crash on I-29 last July. Anastacia Hermes of Kindred received the Good Samaritan Award and the Highway Patrol Colonel’s Award of Excellence. Troopers Adam Malafa and Jed Dahnke both received the Bravery Award and the Distinguished Service Medal. All three…

ND Lawmakers Hoping to Establish Needle Exchange Program

Lawmakers say IV drug use is on the rise in North Dakota and they want to help people to lower their risk

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota health officials are backing bipartisan legislation that would establish a needle-exchange program. State Republican Sen. Howard Anderson is the primary sponsor of the bill. The retired Turtle Lake pharmacist and former member of the state narcotics coalition told a legislative committee that intravenous drug use is on the rise in North Dakota. Anderson says allowing…

UND Police Officer Sentenced in Child Porn Case

Paul Meagher will serve 10 years in prison and 10 years supervised release

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — A former UND police officer has been sentenced for possessing child porn. Paul Meagher, 43, will serve 10 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. During a search of Meagher’s residence in November, 2015, officers found multiple media devices containing more than fifty-thousand images and videos. Meagher was charged with 10 counts of possession…

Frazee Man Accidentally Shoots Himself

Jared Hanson says he was handling a revolver when it discharged and the bullet went into his hip

FRAZEE, Minn. — The Becker County Sheriff’s Office says a Frazee man accidentally shot himself in the hip. Investigators say 27-year old Jared Hanson was handling a revolver when it discharged. Emergency crews were called to East Main Avenue in Frazee around 7 o’clock Monday night. Hanson was taken to the hospital in Detroit Lakes before being moved to Fargo….

West Fargo Begins Search for New Police Chief

Mike Reitan was terminated as police chief Monday evening during a city commission meeting

WEST FARGO, N.D. — The City of West Fargo is planning to begin its search for a new police chief following the termination of Mike Reitan. A spokesperson for the city says they will first review the job description of the position. It will be open to both external and internal applicants. There is no timeline set for this process….

Army Corps of Engineers Announces Construction of Dakota Access Pipeline Will Continue

Secretary of Army Robert Speer says the Army Corps of Engineers will grant the easement by Wednesday afternoon

The Army Corps of Engineers says they have finished their review of the the Dakota Access pipeline project and say they will grant an easement to allow the construction to continue by Wednesday afternoon. Senator John Hoeven released a statement saying the constant battle between protesters, law enforcement and the pipeline construction company does not serve the community and the…

Reitan Reacts to Termination as Police Chief

Reitan has served with the West Fargo Police Department since 1987

WEST FARGO, N.D. — West Fargo Police Chief Mike Reitan no longer has a job with the city. The city commission voted unanimously to terminate him at their meeting. It all began on January 13th when West Fargo Police Chief Mike Reitan was placed administrative leave. “These concerns have been reviewed and the management style that has been used by…

Adults Wearing Masks May Soon Be Against the Law in North Dakota

The House endorses a bill and three other measures due to the protests in North Dakota

  BISMARCK, N.D. — It could soon be a crime for adults to wear masks in most cases in North Dakota. The House has endorsed that bill and three other measures spurred by the bitter dispute between Dakota Access protesters and law enforcement. The House also approved bills that increase penalties for rioting, trespassing, and causing damage to personal property….

Lost California Couple Headed to North Dakota Casino Arrested at DAPL Protest Site

Couple headed to Prairie Knights Casino arrested after traffic stop

  MORTON COUNTY, N.D. — A couple from California quickly found out they were on the wrong road. They were stopped on Highway 1806 near the Dakota Access pipeline protest and officers uncovered marijuana, drug paraphernalia, over $7,000 in cash and three high capacity magazines for AR15-style rifles. The driver, 29-year-old Douglas Dias of Santa Rosa, California, said they were…