In Case You Missed It: 2/13-2/19
BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Mid-February brought new rules governing sporting events, suspicious decisions, criminal convictions and fires that resulted in the destruction and violation of property on our reporters’ desks here at KX News — subjects that hardly fit into the same sports week as Valentine’s Day . As sad as it is to see many of these situations, it is important to let the world know about these current events. Here are the eight most viewed stories on our site that took place in the past week.
#1: NDHSAA is updating its rules for fan conduct at sporting events
As anyone who has seen some people’s reactions to The Big Game knows, sports fans can become incredibly disruptive during their favorite games. This has reached a point where the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) has changed the wording of some of its longstanding rules regarding expectations of fan behavior at sporting events. These changes include banning artificial noise generators at indoor events and strictly enforcing the use of appropriate language. The NDHSAA hopes these changes will help promote the sporting spirit of the spectators in attendance.
#2: Five Questions About Updated NDHSAA Rules for Fan Conduct at Sporting Events
With the new changes to the Viewer Rules, you may have questions about what exactly constitutes an offense under it and how well these rules are being enforced. This article lists some of the questions fans – and KX News – have on the subject.
#3: Three connected tribes are working to buy a third property in Las Vegas
The Three Affiliated Tribes are now working to buy their third Las Vegas property – part of the former White Sands Motel valued at $10.25 million. While the organization’s chairman explains that these investments go to the people, many feel that these Vegas properties are only helping the city. The General Council intends to draft a petition to overturn the assets and demand an audit by the Tribal Business Council.
#4: One dead after Bismarck Heimbrand
At approximately 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 15, the Bismarck Rural Fire Department responded to reports of an apartment fire on 52nd Street Northeast. When firefighters arrived, they noticed heavy smoke coming from the main level of the home and smoke reaching up to the roof. Firefighters were at the scene for five hours, and one person found inside the home was taken to hospital – where he later died from injuries sustained in the fire. The fire brigade has declared that the apartment is not habitable.
#5: Study: What is the Safest City in North Dakota?
Recent reports of crimes across the state have caused many to question the safety of our cities. While crime can happen anywhere, anytime, there are some cities that have lower or higher average crime rates. We looked at the ten safest cities in Peace Garden State based on their crime rates per 1,000 people – and some of the results might surprise you!
#6: GoFundMe reaches out to a man injured in the explosion at the Alexander oil field
Last week, 40-year-old Travis Ashcraft was badly burned when a series of saltwater storage tanks exploded at an Alexander oil field. He was taken to Killdeer to stabilize his injuries and later flown to Minnesota where he is currently being treated for third degree burns to his hands, face and knees. A GoFundMe has been prepared to raise money for Travis’ family at this difficult time, with all funds going towards future treatments and reducing financial burdens.
#7: Former Beulah Bank President Gets 5 Years For Bank Fraud; 3 others also convicted
Brady Daniel Torgensen, former president of First Security Bank in Beulah and Union Bank employee, pleaded guilty to two separate counts of bank fraud after investigations revealed he had a history of entering false information, making fraudulent loans and financing loans, without receiving the required information. On Wednesday, a US District Court judge sentenced Torgenson to 24 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. Other people involved in the scams were sentenced to supervised release and fines.
#8: Two arrested in Watford City after gunshots
On Tuesday night, the Watford City Police Department was called to a case where shots were fired. A suspicious vehicle was found and two suspects were arrested. Although no injuries were reported in the incident (only property damage was observed), this shooting was determined to be related to a previous case related to an incident along Fox Hills Parkway. At this point, Watford City Police Department is saying there is no danger to the public and the events are isolated, affecting only those involved.
It would be wrong to end without featuring one of our favorite images we’ve received over the week and here’s a fantastic selection: This image of the Minot Scandinavian Heritage Park was sent to us by John Morman!
Would you like to learn how to submit your own photos and videos to KX News to be featured on our shows or in articles like this one? Learn how here! See you next week for another edition of In Case You Missed It!