Politics / Elections

Are Police Losing a Tool with Backpage.com?

Police have used the site as a tool to catch traffickers just as traffickers have used to site to do business

The site Backpage.com has removed its adult section after a Senate Homeland Security Investigation found it had knowingly facilitated online sex trafficking. Law Enforcement has used the site to help catch traffickers. “The audacity of a group of American citizens wishing to hide behind the first amendment when they exploit children is beyond me,” said North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp…

How Would Repealing the Blue Law Affect Fargo Businesses?

The answer is less obvious than you may think and opinons are all accross the board on this one

How would you like to shop in North Dakota before noon on a Sunday? A state lawmaker is trying to make that happen. Because of the blue law in North Dakota, some Fargo retailers said they could be missing out on extra sales. “The more hours you’re open, you make more sales,” said Chris Heaton, Senior Vice President of Property…

Broadband Internet Coming to More Rural Minnesota Communities

More than 16,000 households, 2,200 businesses and 71 community organizations will benefit

  Minnesota State Officials announce more grants have been secured to help households and business in the state get broadband internet access. Officials say more than 16,000 households will be given access as well as 2,200 business and more than 70 community organizations. The expansion will also allow 42 projects across the state to be funded and given access. The…

North Dakota Lawmaker Proposes End to Blue Law

A Fargo lawmaker wants to do away with North Dakota’s Blue Law, or Sunday opening law. Democratic Representative Pam Anderson says her bill will remove all state barriers to retail stores opening before noon on Sundays. She says she introduced the bill on behalf of a constituent. “Contacted me and said ‘I’m annoyed I have to drive Sunday morning for…

Fargo Man Charged with Making Death Threats Against Senator Heitkamp

Kevin Olson threated to shoot Heidi Heitkamp in the head and was arrested Tuesday morning

A Fargo man is behind bars and charged with making a death threat against Senator Heidi Heitkamp. The Red River Valley SWAT team worked with U.S. Capitol Police and tracked down 55-year-old Kevin Olson. Olson was arrested at his house on the 1600 block of 51st Street South in Fargo. He’s been charged with mailing threatening communications and is in…

BreatheND Urges Lawmakers to Continue Funding

BreatheND is the center of two bills being proposed this session, one would completely defund the program and the other would keep it alive

BreatheND asked state legislators to think twice before voting on a bill that would defund the program. In a press conference at Sanford Health in downtown Fargo, employees and advocates of the program highlighted the strides in reducing tobacco use made by BreatheND since its creation back in 2008. They said between 2013 and 2015 the program cut high school…

“Your Company Exploits Children”: Senators Heitkamp, Klobuchar Take on Backpage.com

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp have been fighting back against human trafficking

Backpage.com has removed its adult services section. Last October, Backpage.com’s CEO was arrested after federal officials in Texas said that adult and child sex-trafficking victims had been forced into prostitution through escort ads posted on the website. Minnesota Senator Klobuchar has been a national leader in the fight against human trafficking. She said Backpage.com’s announcement that it will be shutting…

Fargo Man Arrested for Threatening Senator Heitkamp

Kevin Olson will appear in court today after authorities say he sent threatening emails to Senator Heidi Heitkamp

Red River Valley SWAT working with U.S. Capitol Police say they arrested a Fargo man for threatening to shoot Senator Heidi Heitkamp in the head. Fargo Police Chief Dave Todd says Kevin Olson used his email to send the threats. They say Olson admitted to sending the emails but would not speak to them after that. A spokesperson for Senator…

City of Dilworth Honors Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

January 9th Will Now Officially Be Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Minnesota

This day is called law enforcement appreciation day, or L.E.A.D. Due to the recent negativity towards police officers around the country, January 9th has been dedicated to supporting those in uniform. Minnesota Governor Dayton said it’s a day to recognize the service and sacrifice of those brave men and women, and their families. Dilworth Mayor Chad Olson is also showing his…

Price of DAPL Protests Expected to Cost North Dakota and Taxpayers $22 Million

The Morton County Sheriff's Office has released the cost and the number of resources that have been used to combat illegal activity while protesters have been fighting the building of the Dakota Access pipeline

The Morton County Sheriff’s Office has released what they call a “by the numbers” look at what resources have been used since August 10, 2016 to stop illegal activity at the protest sites of the Dakota Access pipeline. They say in the 153 days they have been responding to the protests, the state and taxpayer costs are now at $22.3 million….