North Dakota News

House committee considers raising North Dakota tobacco taxes

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – A North Dakota House committee is considering two bills that would raise tobacco taxes. One would raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1.00, bringing the tax to $1.44. The other bill would raise taxes on other tobacco products. Tim Blasl, president of the North Dakota Hospital Association, told the House Finance and Taxation…

LIVE: Gearing Up for Giving Hearts Day

The need may never have been greater.

The folks at the region’s many nonprofits are hoping our hearts are a little bit bigger than usual this year. Because while Giving Hearts Day is typically one of our top times for charitable giving in the region, it’s also happening this time around after nearly an entire year’s worth of recession. That’s hitting the region’s nonprofits hard. So, because…

Great Plains Food Bank provides record 21 million pounds of food in 2020

FARGO (KVRR) –  Due to the economic impacts of COVID-19, the Great Plains Food Bank says there was an “unprecedented need” for food assistance in North Dakota and western Minnesota last year Great Plains Food Bank President Melissa Sobolik says the organization provided enough food for 17.7 million meals, which is nearly five million meals more than 2019. “These were…

Fargo Police investigate suspicious activity

They have received reports from an area between 40th and 45th streets of 13th avenue south.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Fargo Police are trying to ease some peoples concerns after recent reports of suspicious activity. They have received reports from an area between 40th and 45th streets of 13th avenue south. Police say though social media and a small number of phone calls, they are aware of a suspect or suspects asking personal questions to people…

How to keep Valentine’s Day flowers safe from the cold

"They will freeze outside within minutes especially with the colder temperatures..."

FARGO, N.D.  (KVRR) – With Valentine’s Day this weekend, florists in the area are warning the public about what the cold can do to flowers. They say it is crucial to order ahead of time and plan out deliveries as most flowers could be left at the doorstep in this very cold weather. People seeking to purchase a bouquet of…

Resignation of West Fargo teacher investigated by police accepted

Ronald ThompsonWEST FARGO, N.D. – The West Fargo School Board unanimously accepts the resignation of a business education teacher being investigated by police. Ronald Thompson announced his intent to step down Tuesday after police served him a warrant. The board had to take action on his resignation to make it official. Thompson was a teacher at Sheyenne and West Fargo…

Fargo police looking into suspicious activity reports

FARGO (KVRR) – Fargo Police are investigating reports of what they call “suspicious activity” along 13th Ave. S. in the West Acres area. Deputy Chief Ross Renner says the calls may be connected to “an individual” who has a history of approaching people and asking them about “personal information.” Renner says at this time, there is no clear indication that…

North Dakota House okays bill that cuts early voting to 9 days

Early voting in FargoBISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – A bill that limits early voting dates to 9 days before Election Day has been approved in the North Dakota House. Early voting is currently allowed up to 15 days before an election. Grand Forks Republican Representative Steve Vetter carried the bill on the House floor. “Although we want early voting, we don’t…

North Dakota House kills party designation bill

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KCND) – The North Dakota House has rejected a proposal that would have given candidates running for local office the option of placing their political party designation on the ballot. West Fargo Republican Rep. Austen Schauer said the purpose of the measure is transparency and voter education. “How many times have we been asked ‘What do we know…

COVID restrictions move hockey tournament from St. Paul to Grand Forks

COLORADO SPRINGS (KVRR) – The National Collegiate Hockey Conference will hold its championship from March 12-16 at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks. “Due to continued challenges with COVID-19, we are forced to alter the structure and location of the 2021 NCHC Tournament. Circumstances surrounding travel, testing, and fan attendance made the traditional format difficult to complete,” NCHC Commissioner…