701 Rundown: Nov. 22, 2021

Here’s your weekly rundown of some of the most interesting headlines from newspapers across North Dakota.

Manhunt at oil well ends peacefully

After being caught sneaking around a Divide County farm, 39-year-old Eric Beeler Deck found himself on the ledge of tanks at an oil well pad south of Crosby.

Divide County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Dehn spoke to the man for over an hour, and was eventually able to talk him down.

According to Divide County Sheriff Zach Schroader, Deck had brandished a baseball bat upon being spotted sneaking around a farmstead, but then disappeared into a nearby pasture.

Agencies involved in the ensuing manhunt included the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the Highway Patrol’s air unit, and officers from Burke and Divide County. Even local residents chipped in to help law enforcement.

“Man, they really stepped up,” said Schroader. “We had farmers in their 4x4s putting up a perimeter and we had communication with all of them. The only way he (Deck) could sneak out of there is if he army-crawled out.”

Deck was eventually taken into custody and transported to Bismarck for a mental evaluation; charges are pending.

(Story by Brad Nygaard, The Journal)

Reconfigured

Officials from the State Highway Department met with a sparse crowd in Harvey on Tuesday, Nov. 9, to address concerns about their plans to reconstruct multiple intersections along Highway 52.

The state plans to modify existing intersections by removing potential conflict points and consolidating highway access points. The intersections set for changes are on Harvey’s west side, where Highway 3 and the Highway 52-Business route enter Highway 52. There are also plans to reconfigure the intersections where the traffic exits Highway 52 to reach Highway 3 and the Highway 52-Business route.

According to Harvey Job Development Authority Executive, Dr. Paul Gunderson, the driving force behind these changes is safety.

“Especially so when trucks are on that road (Highway 52), running at no less than 55 mph, and we have traffic entering at much lesser speeds,” said Gunderson.

The project is expected to be completed during the 2023 construction season.

(Story by Neil O. Nelson, The Herald-Press)

Casselton approves controversial Improvement District

Despite concern from a group of Casselton residents, the city will move forward with the establishment of a controversial Improvement District, which helps pay for a new “shared use path.”

The group of residents protesting the plan didn’t meet the requirements necessary to halt the project, or the use of special assessments to pay for it. Protesters argued that the city should put the matter to a vote, saying, “If you think people want this, put it to a vote and find out,” said one protester.

The shared use path will be constructed along 15th Ave. North. City Council member Joan Carvell said that it's impossible to know how much the project will cost because the city is continuing to write grants. According to Carvell, the project has already been awarded $50,000.

The motion to approve the project was carried by a 4 to 2 vote.

(Story by Angela Kolden, Cass County Reporter)

Nodak Hydro LLC opens in Cooperstown

Nodak Hydro LLC, a family-owned and operated hydronic supply store, has opened up shop at 501 9th Street SE in Cooperstown.

The business has a full inventory of HydroFarm grow equipment, and offers products and information for everyone with a green thumb. Owner Blake Walhood says that he’s proud of the new business and can’t wait to offer his services to customers.

“My thinking was with so many people in this state who love to garden, this could really be a great thing for them,” Walhood said. “Gardening itself is very therapeutic, and people like knowing where their food comes from, especially with everything that is going on in the world today. With this, you can do it year-round.”

Nodak Hydro LLC is open Wed. - Sat. from noon until 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 1- 4 p.m. For any questions, call them at (701) 797-2228.

(Story by Lisa Saxberg, Griggs County Courier)