Local News

Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine approved for children ages 12 to 15

UNITED STATES (KVRR) – The Food and Drug Administration expands use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 to 15 years old. Last month Pfizer said phase three clinical trials found its vaccine was safe and one hundred percent effective in the age group. Preliminary data shows there were no cases among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 given placebos….

FBI: No particular pipeline threats in Dakotas, Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (KVRR) – As authorities investigate a cyberextortion attempt that shut down a vital U.S. pipeline, the head of the FBI in Minneapolis says cyber-related crimes are becoming more common. “A very popular activity now in the cybercrime arena; for folks to go after critical infrastructure” according to Special Agent in Charge Michael Paul, who oversees FBI operations the Dakotas and…

Duane’s House of Pizza closes its Moorhead restaurant

A Facebook post says staffing shortages are to blame for the closure

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — After decades of serving up pies, Duane’s House of Pizza has closed its Moorhead location. “It’s my wife and I’s favorite pizza. It definitely has that local and unique taste,” Duane’s customer Jordan Johnson said. After serving the community for 64 years, Duane’s House of Pizza has closed its Moorhead location. The business made the announcement…

Second suspect arrested in murder of Moorhead taxi driver

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – Police say a 17 year-old girl is being held for charges relating to the murder of Abdullahi Abdullahi, a taxi driver who died after he was shot during a robbery attempt in south Moorhead. The girl is charged with aiding and abetting First Degree Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery, First Degree Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Second Degree…

Archer Daniels Midland to take over former malting plant east of Jamestown

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) – Archer-Daniels-Midland has plans to build a $350 million soybean crushing plant and refinery in North Dakota. ADM says the plant and refinery in Spiritwood, at the site of the former Cargill Malting Plant, would create 70 jobs and process up to 150,000 bushels of soybeans each day. It’s expected to be completed by the 2023 harvest….

North Dakota woman who voted twice receives deferred sentence

MINOT, N.D. – A Minot woman who voted twice in last fall’s election has received a deferred sentence. Forty-five-year-old Ashlee Monique Deschamp pleaded guilty to a Class A misdemeanor election offense. North Central District Court Judge Richard Hagar deferred her 360-day sentence and ordered her to pay $325 in court costs. The charge will be dismissed if Deschamp complies with…

Former theater teacher accused of abusing boys

MINNEAPOLIS – A former Anoka, Minn. teacher who was an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ students is charged with 10 felony counts of sexually abusing minors. Forty-seven-year-old Jefferson Fietek taught arts theater at Anoka Middle School and created the non-profit group Young Artists Initiative that operated out of a St. Paul church. According to court documents, the five male victims are…

Fire damages Fargo apartment building

FARGO (KVRR/KFGO) – Fire damaged a portion of a two story rowhouse apartment building Monday in north Fargo. The fire at 307 7th Ave. N. was reported shortly before 6 a.m. A second alarm was called because it’s a multi-unit building.  Crews were able to quickly put out the fire, which was contained to the front porch. Fargo Fire Marshal…

Mental Health Mindsets of Minorities.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and specialists say to stay positive.

FARGO, N.D.-(KVRR) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month and after a rocky 2020, people are ready for a more hopeful tomorrow in 2021. “Like many things when we start talking about it we understand each other better and we find more support,” Jo Ellison said.  “Important for all of us to take care of our mental health this is…

Hay bale starts quonset on fire in Angus, Minnesota

Polk County authorities say the fire caused $30,000 in damages

ANGUS, Minn. — Fire crews responded to a quonset on fire in Angus, Minnesota. The fire was at 13407 US HWY 75 North, owned by Arlen Stroble. A deputy says a nearby burning hay bale started a the quonset on fire. The building and everything inside is a total loss, estimating about $30,000 in damages. No was was injured in…