BEMIDJI, Minn. — A former assistant principal at Bemidji Middle School has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually exploiting dozens of children. 35-year-old Brandon Bjerknes pleaded guilty in September to coercion and enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography. Federal prosecutors say Bjerknes “repeatedly victimized at least 55 vulnerable young girls and boys over nearly…
FARGO, ND — Sanford Children’s Safety Shoppe is asking parent’s to make sure they are using the top tether strap when putting their child into the car seat. Any car that was made after 2001 has a place to attach the tether strap, but luckily, all dealerships have parts to purchase so all owners can attach one This strap is…
VINTON, Iowa — It must have worked because this Iowa couple has been hitched for 79 years. “I said, ‘I’d like to go back and see that girl again’ so that’s where it all started with just trying to vaccinate some pigs,” Keith Elwick said on how he met his future wife at a vet’s office. Keith and Janet say…
NORTH DAKOTA — Two more people have died of flu-related complications in North Dakota. State health officials say this brings a total of 10 people who have died this flu season. There were 619 flu cases reported to the state health department last week and that brings the total number of reported cases to more than 2,500. Officials say…
FARGO, N.D. — Housing and Urban Development has awarded 18 programs in North Dakota a share of $1.8 million in federal money. An organization in Fargo is a recipient of the funding. The YWCA is helping impoverished women and children create a new future. “To be able to help women move from a state of chaos and crisis back out…
FARGO, ND — People really got into the season of giving at the 31st annual Santa Village at Rheault Farm. More than 15,000 visitors stopped by to have some holiday fun between November 26 and December 23. Visitors donated nearly $4,000 in cash, 6,200 pounds of non-perishable food items and more than 900 new and gently used toys. The…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp says she wants Native American children to be given every opportunity to succeed, regardless of the odds stacked against them. President Trump has appointed another member of the Commission on Native Children, which was created by Heitkamp’s bipartisan bill that became law last October. The commission was created to find strategies to…
FARGO, ND — 42 children being sheltered at the YWCA are in need of baby food and Goldmark Property Management is asking for your help. The two organizations have partnered up to collect baby food right now until the 11th. The YWCA sent an emergency alert to the organizations they partner with asking for as many donations as they are…
NORTH DAKOTA — There are new requirements when it comes to vaccinations for children in North Dakota. Starting January 1, all children who are in day cares will be required to be vaccinated against hepatitis B. This is a change from only children beginning school needed the vaccine. In the 2018 school year, students in grades 11 and 12…
Courtesy: Hibbing Fire Department HIBBING, Minn. — Three people are dead and one child is in critical condition after a house fire in Hibbing, Minnesota. Fire crews responded to reports of a house on fire just after 1:30 this morning. They found the home engulfed in flames and rescued the two adults and two children, but none of them had…
