701 Rundown: April 1, 2024

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

Officials crack down on unauthorized road signs

“I just want to make sure we are clear with the public: People can’t tell you that you can’t drive down this road with some security guy they hired to sit there and block traffic on a county road. That is 100 percent wrong,” said chairman of the McKenzie County Board of County Commissioners, Howdy Lawlar.

“I just want people to know, if there are signs being posted on our (the county’s) posts, they will be taken down and they will end up at the county shop.”

This statement was made after Lawlar and other officials received complaints from individuals who were denied access to 134th Ave., south of Watford City and Arnegard, by private security guards.

The security guards were hired by private entities and had no connection to county or sheriff’s office personnel.

In addition to the civilian security guards, there have been reports of individuals and companies posting signs along roadways that have not been authorized by the county.

During a county commission meeting, Lawlar explained that there have been calls recently about electronic signs being placed by the public right-of-way that posted a reduced speed limit, as well as other restrictions like prohibiting the use of engine brakes for trucks.

County commissioners recognized that these situations likely happened due to frustrated individuals and companies.

They added that while they understand how frustrating it can be to deal with the noise of jake brakes and the hazards of speeding trucks, it is not within the responsibility of these companies or individuals to interfere with public roads.

(Story by Kristen Jones, McKenzie County Farmer)

Willow City man missing

The Bottineau County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance from the area communities over a missing Willow City man who hasn’t been seen for nearly five weeks with hopes they can find him and assist his family in getting back to them.

According to Jeremy Tofteland, Bottineau County Sheriff, a family member of John Lee Stewart, age 50, reported him missing from Willow City to a Bottineau County deputy on February 25.

The family member reported that it wasn’t unusual for Stewart to go missing for a week or two but that he had been missing since mid-January.

The Bottineau County Sheriff’s Office started an investigation on Stewart and discovered that his vehicle had been found abandoned in McHenry County near the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said that the keys were missing from the vehicle but found no evidence of foul play around his vehicle.

The last time Stewart was seen in the Willow City area he was wearing a red shirt, blue jeans, brown work boots and black bibs. He does not carry a cell phone.

Stewart is known to drive his vehicle until it runs out of gas and then walk to find assistance to get gas for his vehicle.

Anyone who has information is encouraged to contact the Bottineau County Sheriff’s Office at (701) 228-2740.

(Story by Scott Wagar, The Bottineau Courant)

Crackdown on clutter

There has been a growing concern in the Central City recently, namely unlicensed vehicles, building materials and tires littering the yards of residents.

In response to this issue, the city council has directed Carrington Chief of Police Chris Bittmann to educate residents about Chapter 34 of the city ordinances, known as the "junk ordinance."

According to Bittmann, the primary goal of this ordinance is to promote a clean and aesthetically pleasing community, while also seeking to deter crime and reduce the prevalence of varmints and rodents in the area.

"While some residents may argue that they have the right to do as they please on their own property since they pay taxes, it is important to recognize that ordinances and regulations are in place for the greater good of society," said Bittmann. "By enforcing this Junk Ordinance, the town of Carrington is taking proactive steps to create a safer and healthier environment for all its residents."

Unlicensed vehicles, building materials and tires on residential properties can create several hazards and unfavorable conditions, Bittmann added.

Beginning April 1, the Carrington Police Department will begin documenting properties in violation of the junk ordinance and issue letters to the residents or property owners.

Once notified, the owners will have 60 days to remove the items in violation with no penalty.

That will allow residents 60 days to remove such items from their property.

After the 60 days, if the violation of City Ordinance Chapter 34 is not corrected, an infraction will be cited to the owner.

(Story by Amy Wobbema, The Foster County Independent)

May-Port-C-G board eyes crackdown on vaping

The May-Port-C-G School Board delved into a variety of topics Monday including a crackdown on student vaping.

Superintendent Mike Bradner told board members that administrators had reached out to neighboring schools recently to collect feedback on how to address vaping by students.

“Vaping is an ongoing concern in our school,” Bradner said. “Some (schools) are using metal detectors or scanners when they believe there is vaping going on.

“We are not ready to jump into that because we want to make sure doing those things falls into compliance with our student search process and procedures.”

May-Port-C-G High School Principal Taylor Kunkel said administrators will not search students or their belongings for e-cigarettes unless they have “reasonable suspicion” to do so.

Bradner added that he expects to revisit the issue of cracking down on vaping with the school board prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year.

“We’re going to ask the board about (changing) some things but we’re not quite there yet,” he said. “This will be something we look at doing for next year.”

(Story by Cole Short, Hillsboro Banner)