701 Rundown: Feb. 28, 2022

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

Spring Flood Outlook: Risk of flooding remains high

While cool weather is expected to linger into early March, the risk for moderate to severe spring flooding across the Red River remains high.

The Goose River in Hillsboro has a 50 percent chance of reaching 13.8 feet this spring, nearly a foot above moderate flood state.

While the local snowpack remains near to above normal for this time of year, a switch to near-normal temperatures and precipitation in March could keep the flood risk in check.

“Our models right now are predicting more of a normal thaw at this time,” said Jacob Spender, meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Grand Forks.

The goose river in Hillsboro has a near-certain 95 percent chance of reaching at least 10.4 feet this spring, just above minor flood stage.

A 75 percent chance of reaching 13.1 feet exists, with a highly unlikely worst-case scenario of reaching 16.4 feet.

(Story by Cory Erickson, Hillsboro Banner)

Cando man arrested on felony charges

On Feb. 9, officers with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the Towner County Sheriff’s Office executed search and arrest warrants in Cando for Levi Scigliano. The investigation was spearheaded by the BCI Internet Crimes Against Children unit.

Scigliano was charged with the following crimes:

• Promoting or directing an obscene sexual performance of a minor, a Class A Felony.

• Promoting or sexual performance of a minor, a Class B Felony.

• Possession of certain materials prohibited, a Class C Felony.

If convicted on all three counts, Scigliano faces up to 31 years in prison.

Scigliano was transported to the Heart of America Correctional Treatment Center in Rugby, N.D. He is being represented by Ulysses Jones and another hearing regarding the case is set for March 8 at 10 a.m.

(Story from Towner County Record Herald)

Ice, limited visibility, multiple crashes

Last week’s weather made travel hazardous, resulting in multiple crashes on both I-29 and I-94.

According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, during the morning of Friday, Feb. 11, troopers responded to multiple motorists assists and crashes on North Dakota Interstates due to near white out conditions and slippery roads.

Two of the I-29 crashes resulted in serious injury; one took place near the Gardner exit and another took place north of Dwight.

Near Gardner, a three-vehicle crash resulted in a 43-year-old Fargo man being hospitalized with serious, non life-threatening injuries.

The crash took place at approximately 8:44 a.m., Friday when a Toyota passenger car, operated by the Fargo man, lost control of his vehicle, causing it to come to rest across both southbound lanes of I-29.

(Story by Angela Kolden, Cass County Reporter)

Abstract building damaged in high winds

Calling it “no big deal,” Sandra Simonson, owner of Divide-Burke Abstract in the former JC Penny building, said wind damage could have been much worse.

As it was, a large piece of the building’s south-side facing blew off. The facing came to rest in a tree adjacent to the structure.

“Thank goodness that tree was there,” said Simonson.

Had the tree not caught the siding, Simonson said the piece probably would have landed on a car belonging to one of the apartment tenants.

As of Thursday, Feb. 10, Lund Construction was on site, making temporary repairs before more complete repairs can be done following winter.

(Story by Brad Nygaard, The Journal)